Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to join 76ers after buyout, reuniting with LeBron

Veteran guard Kentavious Caldwell‑Pope, a two‑time NBA champion (2020 with the Los Angeles Lakers and 2023 with the Denver Nuggets), reached a buyout agreement with the Memphis Grizzlies. The buyout ends his $21.6 million contract, allowing him to become a free agent.

Caldwell‑Pope will sign a one‑year, minimum‑salary deal worth about $3.9 million with the Philadelphia 76ers, reuniting with former teammate LeBron James, who also signed a two‑year contract with the Sixers. The Sixers view the addition as a veteran 3‑and‑D piece to bolster their perimeter defense and depth as they chase a title.

Philadelphia faces a salary‑cap crunch; the team must clear additional contracts, with non‑guaranteed deals for players such as Dalen Terry or Jabari Walker likely to be waived. Caldwell‑Pope averaged 8.4 points, 2.5 rebounds and 2.7 assists in 51 games for Memphis last season, missing the final 31 games after finger surgery. The move also frees a roster spot for the Grizzlies as they continue rebuilding.