Caldwell-Pope Negotiates Grizzlies Buyout, Plans 76ers Move

Veteran guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is negotiating a buyout with the Memphis Grizzlies and intends to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers, where he would reunite with former teammate LeBron James, according to a report from NBA insider Chris Haynes. The move, which has not been officially confirmed by either team, would add a two-time champion to a Philadelphia roster that recently added James and is positioning itself as a title contender.

Caldwell-Pope, 33, exercised a $21.6 million player option for the 2026-27 season in June, but he and the Grizzlies are now discussing a separation. If he clears waivers, he is expected to sign a veteran's minimum contract with the 76ers, a deal valued at approximately $3.88 million for one year. The Grizzlies' decision to pursue a buyout aligns with a reported organizational shift toward a youth movement following recent trades of core players.

The veteran guard won his first NBA championship alongside James with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020, serving as a key three-point shooter and defender. He added a second title as a starter with the Denver Nuggets in 2023. However, his offensive production has declined over the past two seasons. In...