The Philadelphia 76ers are wasting no time building around LeBron James. Just a day after the King shocked the basketball world by signing a two-year, $8 million deal to join the Sixers, the front office has already added another familiar face to the mix.
On Saturday, the team agreed to terms with veteran swingman Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, a two-time NBA champion who won a title alongside James with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020. The move came after Caldwell-Pope finalized a buyout with the Memphis Grizzlies, according to ESPN's Shams Charania.
“Just in: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope has agreed to a buyout with the Memphis Grizzlies and plans to sign a one-year, $3.9 million deal with the Philadelphia 76ers after clearing waivers, sources tell ESPN,” Charania reported. “The two-time NBA champion with the Lakers and Nuggets, who was part of 2020 title along with LeBron James, gives the 76ers a wing shooter and defender.”
Caldwell-Pope, known for his 3-and-D skills, is expected to slot into the Sixers' projected starting lineup alongside James, Tyrese Maxey, rookie VJ Edgecombe, Jaylen Brown, and Joel Embiid. That's a unit that could cause serious headaches for the rest of the Eastern Conference.
James’ decision to leave the Lakers for Philadelphia came after an emotional free-agency process, as his agent Rich Paul described on the “Game Over” podcast. “You can see from the end of the season … the emotional attachments and how hard it is to go away from a Miami and go away from a Cleveland,” Paul said. “Who wouldn’t want to play with Steph Curry and Draymond Green? I’m seeing the emotional roller coaster every single day.”
Paul added that Philadelphia's aggressive moves, particularly the acquisition of Jaylen Brown, tipped the scales. “Ultimately, Philadelphia makes a move and then boom! Now you got Jaylen Brown. Now hold on, wait a minute now. This looks a lot different.”
The addition of Caldwell-Pope further strengthens a Sixers roster that already boasts elite talent. The 33-year-old guard shot 38.5% from three-point range last season with the Denver Nuggets, and his championship experience—he also won a ring with Denver in 2023—will be invaluable for a team with championship aspirations.
For Philly, the message is clear: they're all-in on winning now with James in the twilight of his career. The King has won a title in every uniform he's worn, and the Sixers are doing everything they can to make sure that streak continues. For more on the story behind LeBron's move, check out Windhorst's breakdown of why LeBron chose Philly.
Meanwhile, Bronny James has no plans to request a trade despite his father's departure, and the state of Pennsylvania has already declared a LeBron James Day to celebrate the blockbuster signing.
