The Orlando Magic are reportedly debating a possible attempt to draw Denver Nuggets shooting guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope in free agency amid interest from the Philadelphia 76ers, per NBA insider Marc Stein.
“Sources say Philadelphia and Orlando are weighing runs at Caldwell-Pope with their cap space if, as increasingly expected, he declines his $15.4 million player option with the Nuggets to enter free agency and field richer offers,” Stein wrote.
Caldwell-Pope, an 11-year veteran, averaged 10.1 points, 2.4 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game last season and was integral to the Nuggets’ championship run a year ago.
Caldwell-Pope could be a solid fit in Orlando as the Magic look to continue building around young star Paolo Banchero. Behind Banchero, Orlando took the Cleveland Cavaliers to seven games in the first round of the playoffs and is clearly on its way to being a force in the East.
But the team lacks much of a veteran presence, and Caldwell-Pope could be exactly that. He has a pair of championships under his belt with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020 and the Nuggets in 2023, so he could come in and help the young team learn how to take the next step.
The Magic were also seen as a potential suitor for Golden State Warriors veteran shooting guard Klay Thompson, but there has reportedly been “no traction” ahead of free agency. Thompson would have been a strong option for Orlando, but Caldwell-Pope could still help the team improve.