Denver Nuggets’ Talented Shooting Guard Rumored to Leave via Free Agency.
The Denver Nuggets might be facing a significant setback with the potential departure of shooting guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, a crucial contributor to their 2022-23 NBA championship-winning season.
Will Kentavious Caldwell-Pope Stay with the Denver Nuggets?
Caldwell-Pope has a player option for the 2024-25 season worth over $15.4 million. However, he might opt to explore free agency in hopes of securing a more lucrative contract.
According to HoopsHype:
“Heading into free agency, there’s concern that guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope could decline his $15.44 million player option, enter unrestricted free agency, and land a potential short-term offer for a higher salary annually comparable to Bruce Brown’s previous two-year, $45 million deal with Indiana.”
While the Nuggets are primarily known for the dynamic duo of Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, Caldwell-Pope has been instrumental in their recent success, despite their second-round exit from the 2024 NBA Playoffs.
Caldwell-Pope’s Impact and Future Prospects
Since being traded to Denver by the Washington Wizards, along with Ish Smith for Monte Morris and Will Barton in 2022, Caldwell-Pope has been a consistent starter in all 152 games he played for the Nuggets. He was subsequently signed to a two-year, $30.15 million veteran contract extension by Denver.
If Caldwell-Pope chooses to decline his player option and enter free agency, he is expected to attract considerable interest from teams seeking a veteran with championship experience and a reliable three-point shooter. During his two seasons with Denver, he has shot an impressive 41.5 percent from behind the arc.
The Nuggets will have to prepare for the possibility of losing Caldwell-Pope and consider how to fill the void left by his departure.
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