After weeks of rumors and constant speculation, LeBron James has finally landed with the Philadelphia 76ers on a two-year, $8 million contract. As a result, many around the league now view them as one of the top championship contenders entering the new season.
However, Philadelphia does not appear finished reshaping its roster. After adding James, the front office continues to search for experienced pieces who can help in another title chase.
According to reports, the Sixers are closing in on another proven winner.
76ers Expected to Sign Kentavious Caldwell-Pope After Adding LeBron James in Free Agency
According to senior NBA insider Chris Haynes, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is expected to become Philadelphia’s next addition once his situation in Memphis is resolved.
“Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Memphis Grizzlies are negotiating a buyout, and the veteran 3-&-D specialist intends to team back up with LeBron James and sign with the Philadelphia 76ers, league sources tell me,” Haynes shared the update on X.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Memphis Grizzlies are negotiating a buyout and the veteran 3-&-D specialist intends to team back up with LeBron James and sign with the Philadelphia 76ers, league sources tell me. pic.twitter.com/938uLLvV2g
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) July 25, 2026
Caldwell-Pope would be more than just a rotation option for Philadelphia. He brings championship experience, dependable floor spacing, and elite perimeter defense without demanding heavy offensive touches.
Last season, the Grizzlies struggled to a 25-57 record and finished 13th in the Western Conference, with the veteran appearing in 51 games. During that stretch, he averaged 8.4 points, 2.7 assists, and 2.5 rebounds while shooting 31.6% from beyond the arc.
His transition to the 76ers could be smooth, as he would have a familiar face in James to share the locker room with.
Caldwell-Pope spent three seasons alongside the 41-year-old with the Los Angeles Lakers, helping the franchise capture the 2020 title, and has become one of the league’s dependable 3-and-D guards, a role that has consistently complemented James’ style.
So when the Lakers parted ways with him in the Russell Westbrook trade, it became one of the franchise’s most debated moves, as Caldwell-Pope went on to help the Denver Nuggets win another championship.
Meanwhile, Los Angeles struggled to really get anything out of the Westbrook experiment.
But the move is not without risks.
Caldwell-Pope will enter the season after one of the toughest years of his career. The 13-year veteran underwent season-ending surgery in February to repair the misalignment in his right pinky finger.
His shooting also dipped, as he connected on just 31.6% of his three-point attempts, his lowest mark since the 2015-16 campaign.
Philadelphia could view him as an affordable solution to strengthen its rotation after reshaping the roster. The veteran guard can be utilized as a reliable wing option who can contribute meaningful minutes without disrupting the offense.
