Full Breakdown
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope Secures Buyout, Heads to Philadelphia
7/26/2026, 1:33:18 PM
Core Transaction
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope reached a buyout agreement with the Memphis Grizzlies and cleared waivers, enabling him to sign a one-year contract worth $3.9 million with the Philadelphia 76ers. The buyout was finalized on a Saturday, and the veteran guard is expected to join the Sixers a day after the franchise added LeBron James.
Recent Performance and Injury History
Caldwell-Pope, a 33-year-old two-time NBA champion, missed the final 31 games of the previous season after undergoing surgery to correct a misaligned right pinkie finger in February. Prior to the injury, he appeared in 51 games for Memphis, averaging 8.4 points, 2.7 assists, 2.5 rebounds in 21.3 minutes per contest. His shooting split was 49.5 % on two-point attempts and 31.6 % from three-point range. Historically recognized as a “3-and-D” specialist, his three-point accuracy fell from a consistent 39 %+ between 2020 and 2024 to a low of 34.2 % over the last two seasons.
Background and Career Highlights
Caldwell-Pope earned his first championship with the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2020 NBA bubble and added a second ring in 2023 as a member of the Denver Nuggets. Throughout his career, he has been valued for perimeter defense and reliable spot-up shooting, traits that align with Philadelphia’s need for veteran wing depth.
Impact on the Sixers
The addition gives Philadelphia a seasoned wing who can contribute both offensively and defensively while the team integrates a new star in LeBron James. With Caldwell-Pope’s contract set for a single season, the Sixers retain flexibility to assess his health and fit before committing to longer-term arrangements. His experience and defensive versatility are expected to bolster the roster as the Eastern Conference race intensifies.
