Veteran guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope has reached a buyout agreement with the Memphis Grizzlies and intends to sign a one-year, $3.9 million deal with the Philadelphia 76ers once he clears waivers, sources told ESPN on Saturday.
Caldwell-Pope, 33, averaged 8.4 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.8 assists in 21.9 minutes across 51 games for Memphis last season. His campaign was cut short in February when he underwent finger surgery, sidelining him for the final 31 games of the regular season.
The buyout allows the two-time NBA champion to choose his next destination, with Philadelphia emerging as the frontrunner. By joining the 76ers, Caldwell-Pope would add backcourt depth to a roster that already features Tyrese Maxey and newly-acquired pieces around Joel Embiid. His reputation as a reliable 3-and-D wing — combined with his championship pedigree — makes him an attractive addition for a team looking to contend in the Eastern Conference.
A 13-year veteran originally selected eighth overall by the Detroit Pistons in the 2013 draft, Caldwell-Pope has built a career defined by defensive versatility and timely shooting. He played a key role in the Los Angeles Lakers' 2020 championship run and later contributed to the Denver Nuggets' title in 2023 as a starter. Over 963 career games, he holds averages of 11.0 points, 3.0 rebounds and 1.8 assists, with a 36.8% career three-point percentage.
After stops in Washington and Orlando, Caldwell-Pope joined Memphis in the summer of 2024 but never fully settled due to recurring injury issues. The buyout marks the next chapter for a player who has consistently demonstrated value as a veteran presence on contending rosters.
The move is expected to become official once Caldwell-Pope clears waivers, which typically takes 48 hours under NBA rules.
Sources
- AP News: https://apnews.com/article/grizzlies-caldwellpope-a54eb9d4ddc4b44ece1cc9d60a04b367
