Kentavious Caldwell-Pope Set for Buyout with Grizzlies, Joining 76ers

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is in discussions with the Memphis Grizzlies to finalize a buyout, with intentions to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers, according to NBA insider Chris Haynes. This move marks a reunion with LeBron James, with whom Caldwell-Pope won an NBA championship while with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Caldwell-Pope's departure from Memphis comes as no surprise, given the team's shift towards a younger roster and the need to manage their player count. The veteran wing, who is set to earn $21.6 million this season, is expected to provide a discount that aligns with his new contract in Philadelphia.

During his time with the Lakers, Caldwell-Pope was instrumental in their title run in the NBA bubble and later became a starter for the Denver Nuggets, contributing to their championship success. However, his performance has declined in recent seasons, averaging only 8.4 points per game last season with the Grizzlies and struggling with a shooting percentage of 31.6% from beyond the arc.

As the 76ers prepare to welcome Caldwell-Pope and possibly LeBron James, they will need to make roster adjustments to accommodate the new signings. This includes potential moves involving players with non-guaranteed contracts, such as Dalen Terry and Jabari Walker, to create the necessary space under the salary cap.

The pursuit of Caldwell-Pope also represents a setback for the Miami Heat, who were interested in acquiring the veteran player.