The NBA offseason is in full swing, and as always, there will be a ton of player movement this summer. The NBA offseason is one of the most intriguing and exciting times in the league, as it could make or break any team’s upcoming season from the jump.
When free agency officially begins on June 30, many impact players will become free agents. It will be a competitive market, especially for two-way players. The league is shifting towards players who can be positive on defense and offense, giving teams the equivalent of not just one player but multiple. Plenty of players like this could be available this summer, including current Denver Nuggets guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.
Caldwell-Pope will be a sought-after free agent, and reports have surfaced that two Eastern Conference Playoff teams will be interested in the two-time NBA champion. NBA insider Marc Stein says the Philadelphia 76ers and the Orlando Magic have shown interest in Caldwell-Pope.
“Sources say Philadelphia and Orlando are weighing runs at Caldwell-Pope with their cap space if, as increasingly expected, he declines his $15.4 million player option with the Nuggets to enter free agency and field richer offers,” Stein wrote.
If the Nuggets are unable to sign Caldwell-Pope to an extension, he will likely become a free agent. The 76ers and the Magic will have plenty of money to spend this offseason, and both teams will look to have a massive summer.
Caldwell-Pope could be a massive help to either of these teams. The Magic are one of the younger teams in the NBA. They are coming off a surprise season, where they were the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference, and are looking to take the next step. The Magic are looking at options at the guard spot to pair alongside their promising young guard, Jalen Suggs. Although the Magic have cap space this summer, their spending window is limited before extensions kick in for their younger players in 2025 and 2026.
The 76ers are seeking a two-way player like Caldwell-Pope. They need a defensive-minded player to pair with All-Star guard Tyrese Maxey. Caldwell-Pope would be a great fit in Philadelphia due to his perimeter defense and ability to take and knock down the three-point shot.
Caldwell-Pope is a proven veteran in the league, and his intangibles make him valuable in today’s NBA. Last season, he averaged 10.1 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game. The 31-year-old was integral to the Los Angeles Lakers and Denver Nuggets’ respective championship runs.
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