The Sixers, one step away from reuniting LeBron James with another NBA champion
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is negotiating his exit from the Grizzlies to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers
Philadelphia 76ers continues to strengthen a roster designed to compete for the championship and is very close to incorporating a new experienced piece. As reported by journalist Chris Haynes, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is negotiating the termination of his contract with the Memphis Grizzlies and, once officially free, he is planning to sign with the Pennsylvania franchise.
The operation would represent a new step in Philadelphia's ambitious project around LeBron James, who would become the great leader of a team that already has Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Jaylen Brown as main references. If the agreement is finalized, Caldwell-Pope will once again share a locker room with LeBron, with whom he already won the NBA championship in 2020 wearing the colors of the Los Angeles Lakers.
Caldwell-Pope's departure from Memphis seemed a matter of time. According to information published by Chris Haynes, both parties are in discussions to reach a buyout, an agreed termination that will allow the veteran shooting guard to become a free agent and choose his next destination.
In recent weeks, rumors had already surfaced about the possibility of the Grizzlies seeking a solution to part ways with the player, either through a trade or a termination agreement. Finally, everything points to the second option being chosen.
Once officially disassociated from Memphis, the Sixers emerge as the player's preferred destination.
An Old Partner for LeBron James
The potential signing would have a special component due to the reunion between Caldwell-Pope and LeBron James.
Both shared a locker room at the Lakers and were key pieces of the team that won the NBA championship in the Orlando bubble in 2020. In that squad, KCP stood out especially for his defensive intensity, his ability to stretch the floor with outside shooting, and his experience in crucial moments.
Philadelphia is precisely looking for that profile: a veteran player capable of assuming a secondary role, providing balance on both ends of the court, and surrounding their main stars with specialists.
Caldwell-Pope's Season Overview
Although not currently in the best statistical form of his career, Caldwell-Pope remains one of the most respected defensive guards in the league.
During the 2025-26 season wearing the Memphis jersey, he posted modest numbers but maintained the profile of a reliable rotation player that has accompanied him for over a decade in the NBA.
| Kentavious Caldwell-Pope's Statistics (2025-26) | |
|---|---|
| Points per Game | 8.4 |
| Rebounds | 2.5 |
| Assists | 2.7 |
| Minutes | Just over 21 |
Beyond the numbers, Caldwell-Pope remains a highly valued specialist for his ability to defend multiple perimeter positions, punish from the three-point line, and take on responsibilities without monopolizing the ball.
A New Addition to an Ambitious Project
Caldwell-Pope's arrival would further strengthen a roster clearly aiming for the NBA title.
If the deal is confirmed, the Sixers would add experience, defense, and a highly sought-after profile for any championship contender: a 3&D player, capable of defending the top exterior opponents and keeping offensive options open due to his threat from beyond the arc.
Philadelphia's potential starting five and rotation would continue to gain depth.
| Key Figures of the Sixers | Role |
|---|---|
| LeBron James | Team Leader |
| Joel Embiid | Interior Reference |
| Tyrese Maxey | Floor General |
| Jaylen Brown | Exterior Scorer |
| Kentavious Caldwell-Pope* | Defensive Specialist and Shooter |
*Pending completion of termination with Memphis and signing as a free agent.
A Low-Risk, High-Experience Addition
For Philadelphia, the operation represents a very interesting bet from a sports perspective. Caldwell-Pope is not arriving with the pressure of taking on a leading role but with the mission of providing what has defined his career: tactical discipline, defense, playoff experience, and the ability to show up in critical moments.
Additionally, the guard has extensive experience with title-contending teams, having competed in numerous postseason series and won two NBA championships over the course of his career.
With LeBron James leading a new project and a talent-laden roster, the Sixers continue to add competitively profiled pieces to increase their chances of vying for the championship. If negotiations with Memphis reach a successful conclusion and the buyout is finalized, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope will reunite with one of his former successful partners and bring depth to a team aiming to be among the top contenders of the 2026-27 season.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Los Sixers, a un paso de reunir a LeBron James con otro campeón de la NBA
