KCP Reportedly Set to Join 76ers After LeBron James' Contract, Updated Roster, Salary Cap - Bleacher Report

What the report says

Bleacher Report, citing ESPN’s Shams Charania, reported that veteran guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is expected to join the Philadelphia 76ers once he clears waivers. The reported agreement is a one-year, $3.9 million contract, following a buyout arrangement between Caldwell-Pope and the Memphis Grizzlies. The report was published July 25, 2026, amid a busy stretch of Philadelphia roster moves.

The article said salary-cap mechanics remain a factor. Derek Bodner of PHLY Sports and ESPN’s Bobby Marks were cited as noting that Caldwell-Pope’s cap number would be prorated to a little more than $2.4 million, but that the 76ers would still need further moves to fit him while remaining below the first-apron hard cap. Bleacher Report also noted Philadelphia had agreed to a two-year, $8 million deal with LeBron James the previous Friday.

Bleacher Report’s projected depth chart placed Caldwell-Pope behind Jaylen Brown at small forward, with a lineup core that also includes Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, James and Joel Embiid. Caldwell-Pope has prior experience with James from the Los Angeles Lakers’ 2020 title team and was also part of the Denver Nuggets’ 2023 championship roster.

The move matters because Philadelphia would be adding an experienced perimeter player to a star-heavy roster while navigating cap restrictions. Bleacher Report noted that Caldwell-Pope struggled with shooting and defense during an injury-affected 2025-26 season in Memphis, averaging 8.4 points, 2.7 assists and 2.5 rebounds while shooting 31.6 percent from three-point range. The article suggested his fit could improve alongside Philadelphia’s primary creators.