Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is set to join LeBron James in Philadelphia after agreeing to a contract buyout with the Memphis Grizzlies, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. The veteran guard plans to sign a one-year, $3.9 million deal with the 76ers after clearing waivers.
The move reunites Caldwell-Pope with James, his former Los Angeles Lakers teammate. The two previously won the 2020 NBA championship together inside the Orlando bubble. Caldwell-Pope earned his second ring in 2023 as a starter for the Denver Nuggets.
His arrival adds perimeter defense and championship experience to a 76ers roster that has undergone a major offseason overhaul around Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. Head coach Nick Nurse gains an experienced wing defender who can also space the floor.
The signing comes days after James shocked the league by accepting a two-year, $8 million veteran deal with Philadelphia, well below market value. The pay cut gave the 76ers’ front office room to build out a supporting cast around their new core.
With James, Embiid, Maxey, Jaylen Brown and now Caldwell-Pope in place, Philadelphia has positioned itself as a contender in the Eastern Conference heading into training camp. The franchise has not won an NBA title since 1983.
Trump weighs in
Shortly after James’ move to Philadelphia was confirmed, President Donald Trump was asked who he considered the greatest basketball player of all time. Trump said Michael Jordan was a friend of his and called him his choice, adding that James was “maybe a racist” and that he only likes people who like him.
The remarks extend a long-running feud between the two. James called Trump a “bum” in 2017, and has since used his platform to criticize Trump, endorse Democratic candidates, and launch voting-rights initiatives.
