Former UGA hoops legend, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope faces a big decision this upcoming summer. With the Los Angeles Lakers now eliminated from playoff contention, Caldwell-Pope must be thinking about what his next move is this summer. Caldwell-Pope has spent the past two seasons playing for the Lakers on two separate one-year contracts. His first was a $20 million pact and his current contract is a $12 million deal.
With LeBron James joining the Lakers last summer, the Lakers’ season expectations immediately skyrocketed. Now, amid arguably the largest failure of LeBron’s illustrious career, the Lakers are forced to make major moves this off-season. The Lakers must maximize their team while LeBron is still near the peak of his powers.
Enter KCP, who will be a free agent this off-season, and hasn’t had a clear role on the Lakers. The Lakers will be looking to sign a max contract with a superstar this summer. In all likelihood, this will leave KCP on the outside looking in and he will likely sign a contract for his third career NBA franchise. Joining a new team is the best scenario for KCP. This season, he is playing the fewest minutes (23.3) of his career outside of his rookie season. He also will start less than 40 games for the first time in his career.
Expect KCP to look for a team where he can have a larger role, earn the most money, and/or be on a championship contender. KCP would be a good fit as a 3 & D wing for the Atlanta Hawks, Portland Trailblazers, Houston Rockets, Indiana Pacers or Chicago Bulls. Although he may go against the championship contention timeline the Hawks and Bulls, KCP is just 26 years old and is entering the prime of his career. He will have a lot of suitors this summer. The Hawks have the most money of these teams to offer free agents.
One question is will KCP prefer long term flexibility vs. long term security.
In Houston, KCP could replace the steadying presence of Trevor Ariza, which the Rockets have struggled to replace this season. For the Blazers, KCP would be a defensive stopper needed for the dynamic back-court duo of C.J. McCollum and Damian Lillard. KCP would be most likely to re-energize his career in Indiana. The Pacers have been one of the best defenses in basketball in recent seasons thanks in large part to Victor Oladipo and coach Nate McMillan. McMillan has done a great job getting the most out of his players and I think Caldwell-Pope would be no exception.
The landscape of the NBA changes so drastically each off-season that KCP’s best potential fit may be unforeseeable at the moment. Regardless, he will close out the season looking to boost his value in free agency. KCP has the opportunity to showcase his talent will Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart and Lonzo Ball out for the season.
