Caldwell-Pope, 33, is negotiating a buyout with the Memphis Grizzlies and intends to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers, per league sources. Read more
He previously played three seasons alongside LeBron James on the Los Angeles Lakers, winning the 2020 NBA title in the Orlando bubble.
The veteran 3-and-D specialist also won a championship with the Denver Nuggets in 2023 after being traded away from the Lakers in the Russell Westbrook deal.
Caldwell-Pope was due to make $21.6 million in 2026-27 but is coming off one of the worst shooting seasons of his career — just 31.6% from three-point range.
The Sixers will need to shed additional salary to bring him on board, likely by waiving Jabari Walker, Dalen Terry, or trading Johni Broome.
Why this matters: This signals that James is assembling a familiar supporting cast around him in Philadelphia, prioritizing players who have proven chemistry with him. For the Sixers, adding a veteran who has started on two title teams — even in a diminished role — brings invaluable playoff experience to an already loaded locker room.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope has carved out a 13-year NBA career as a prototypical 3-and-D wing. His shooting splits have declined in the last two seasons — dropping to 33.3% from beyond the arc — but his defensive IQ and championship pedigree remain valuable assets.
Caldwell-Pope and James share more than just a title run. Both are represented by Rich Paul of Klutch Sports, the same agency that negotiated James' move to Philadelphia. The duo played together on the Lakers from 2019 to 2021, culminating in the COVID-bubble championship that remains one of the most unique titles in NBA history.
Philadelphia's rotation is already deep after landing James. The projected starting five features James, Joel Embiid, Jaylen Brown, Tyrese Maxey, and rookie VJ Edgecombe. Behind them are Anfernee Simons, Dean Wade, and Ariel Hukporti.
To make room for Caldwell-Pope, the Sixers will likely need to waive one of their partially guaranteed players — Jabari Walker or Dalen Terry — or find a trade partner for Johni Broome, the No. 35 pick in 2025 whose rookie season was underwhelming.
| Season | Team | 3PT% | PPG | Role |
|--------|------|------|-----|------|
| 2025-26 | MEM | 31.6% | 8.4 | Starter |
| 2024-25 | MEM | ~33% | 9.5 | Starter |
| 2022-23 | DEN | 42.3% | 10.8 | Key rotation (🏆) |
While his shooting has dipped, Caldwell-Pope remains a plus defender at the point of attack. At a likely minimum or near-minimum contract, this is a low-risk, high-reward signing for a Sixers team with championship aspirations.
How much is Kentavious Caldwell-Pope owed on his current contract?
He was set to make $21.6 million in the 2026-27 season, but a buyout with the Grizzlies would reduce that figure significantly, allowing him to sign with the Sixers at a much lower rate.
Have Caldwell-Pope and LeBron James won together before?
Yes. They won the 2020 NBA championship with the Los Angeles Lakers. Caldwell-Pope also won a second title with the Denver Nuggets in 2023 after leaving the Lakers.
What will the Sixers have to do to sign Caldwell-Pope?
Philadelphia will need to clear additional cap room by waiving players with non-guaranteed salaries — likely Jabari Walker or Dalen Terry — or by trading someone like Johni Broome.
Is Caldwell-Pope still an effective player?
His three-point shooting has declined (31.6% in 2025-26, the worst since 2015-16), but he remains a strong perimeter defender and has valuable playoff experience.
For Sixers fans:: The front office is aggressively building around LeBron James with familiar, proven role players. Caldwell-Pope may not be the star addition, but his championship experience and defensive versatility fill a specific need.
For NBA observers:: This move underscores the Klutch Sports influence in Philadelphia and signals that James intends to shape the roster around him — a pattern seen during his Lakers tenure.
For fantasy basketball players:: Caldwell-Pope's value on a deep Sixers team is likely limited to end-of-bench streaming consideration. His scoring and three-point production have declined.
For bettors:: The Sixers' odds to win the 2027 NBA title have shortened significantly this offseason and this signing only adds to their depth.
Do you think Kentavious Caldwell-Pope still has enough left in the tank to contribute to a championship contender? Or is this purely a locker room move driven by LeBron James?
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