Kentavious Caldwell-Pope Joins the Magic After Successful Stint with Nuggets

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope has found a new home. Following a pivotal role in the Denver Nuggets’ 2023 championship victory and a solid 2023-24 season, KCP has secured a lucrative free-agent deal. The Orlando Magic signed him to a three-year, $66 million contract.

“Kentavious Caldwell-Pope intends to sign a three-year, $66 million deal with the Orlando Magic. … A significant acquisition for the rising Magic, who now have the starting shooting guard of two NBA championship teams,” reported Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium.

Caldwell-Pope, 31, had previously signed a two-year, $30.1 million contract with the Nuggets in 2022, which included a $15.4 million player option for the 2024-25 season. He declined this option, confident that his free-agent market value would command a much higher salary. As one of the key free agents in the 2024 offseason, his two-way skills, shooting prowess, and championship experience made him highly sought after by teams looking to bolster their playoff aspirations.

Before committing to the Magic, Caldwell-Pope was also rumored to be a target for the Philadelphia 76ers. The Sixers, who exited the playoffs in the first round against the New York Knicks, could have benefitted greatly from KCP’s stability, shooting, and veteran presence. However, he ultimately chose to bring his talents to Orlando.

The Magic have now added a seasoned veteran known for his ability to perform in clutch moments and bring a wealth of experience to their roster.

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope’s Impactful NBA Career

Caldwell-Pope’s tenure with the Nuggets was marked by consistent and reliable performance. During the 2022-23 season, he played 76 regular-season games, starting in all of them, and averaged 10.8 points, 2.7 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. He also shot an impressive 42.3% from three-point range on 4.1 attempts per game. His contributions were crucial during Denver’s playoff run, where he posted averages of 10.6 points, 3.3 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.3 steals per game, helping the Nuggets secure their first title in franchise history.

In the 2023-24 season, KCP maintained his steady performance, averaging 10.1 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists while shooting 40.6% from beyond the arc. His efforts were instrumental in leading the Nuggets to the Western Conference Finals, where they were narrowly defeated by the Minnesota Timberwolves in a hard-fought seven-game series.

Before his success with the Nuggets, Caldwell-Pope played for the Detroit Pistons, who drafted him 8th overall in the 2013 NBA Draft. He also had significant stints with the Los Angeles Lakers and Washington Wizards, including being a key part of the Lakers’ 2020 championship team.

As he embarks on his new journey with the Orlando Magic, expectations are high that Caldwell-Pope can replicate his impact from his time with the Nuggets and Lakers. His veteran presence and championship pedigree could be exactly what the Magic need to elevate their young core, led by Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, into true contenders in the league.