The Mavericks are interested in landing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope this year in a sign-and-trade deal. According to Marc Stein, both sides are interested in the move, but the Nuggets aren’t expected to be cooperative in facilitating a sign-and-trade deal with the Mavericks, out of fear of strengthening a Western Conference rival.
“League sources say that there would be mutual interest in free agency between Caldwell-Pope and the Dallas Mavericks … but Dallas could only get into Caldwell-Pope’s projected salary range via sign-and-trade. It is believed that the Nuggets do not want to participate in a sign-and-trade with an in-conference rival… even if that means losing Caldwell-Pope without compensation.”
Stein also adds that KCP is a sought-after target in free agency, with teams like the 76ers and the Magic looking to use their cap space to bring him in. Both teams could look to Pope should some of their other targets not work out the way they hope.
“The Orlando Magic and the Philadelphia 76ers, meanwhile, appear especially well-positioned to capitalize on Caldwell-Pope’s expected availability if they choose…”
The Magic, known to be eager to bolster their perimeter shooting capacity this offseason, have the cap space to make a serious run at Caldwell-Pope and perhaps other potential free agents such as Golden State’s Klay Thompson. Philadelphia has been widely expected to prioritize pursuing the LA Clippers’ Paul George but could naturally pivot to Caldwell-Pope if George proves unavailable.
Caldwell-Pope has proven to be one of the best three-point shooters in the NBA and one of the best rotation pieces in the league. Now a two-time NBA champion, KCP has the cachet to attract several lucrative offers from teams in the NBA looking to improve their perimeter shooting.
Nuggets Not Desperate To Keep Caldwell-Pope
It was reported earlier this week that Nuggets GM Calvin Booth is okay with losing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope this offseason, as the team looks to prioritize their core of Jamal Murray, Nikola Jokic, and Michael Porter Jr. under the NBA’s new salary cap rules, and also showing trust in younger players like Christian Braun.
“I think we have to look at everything, and the nature of free agency is that he is unrestricted so we can try to bring him back but if he doesn’t want to come back or he chooses to go somewhere else, that’s his prerogative, we’ll have to work with that.”
“But I think we’re prepared to like, plug-and-play, so to speak. I think we look at some of the teams that have been good in the past. They have to find a way to replace fourth and fifth starters, and sixth men off the bench and still keep rolling.”
“It’ll be nice if KCP is back they have a lot of continuity together but I think all and all the stuff I’ve looked at the lineup stuff and everything Christian Braun is one of the best net rating guys in the league as is KCP.”
“So I think if he has to step into the starting lineup, like probably projected I think, you know, we’ll be okay if KCP doesn’t return.”
While he is okay with letting Caldwell-Pope go, Booth doesn’t love the idea of helping a Western Conference rival like the Mavericks get better, even if that means they lose a player like KCP for no compensation.
While that concern is understandable, one can question the prudence of Booth’s strategy, as he is willingly forgoing a return for a player that he can lose for nothing in free agency.
Pope had a solid season for the Nuggets last year, averaging 10.1 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists while shooting 40.6% from the three-point line. With the Mavericks’ struggles in the NBA Finals, especially from beyond the arc, it would make sense for them to add another reliable shooter on their roster to help them maintain their spot as one of the best teams in the West.
Where will KCP end up next season? The Mavericks appear to be an unlikely destination, as they do not have the cap space to sign him outright in free agency. But if they can conjure up a deal with the Nuggets, it could work out well for both sides as they look to restart their respective journeys to the NBA championship.
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