The Memphis Grizzlies’ youth movement led to the team parting ways with 33-year-old wing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.
The Grizzlies announced July 25 that they had reached a buyout agreement with Caldwell-Pope, ending his tenure in Memphis after one season. Multiple reports indicated he gave back $3.9 million, leaving Memphis responsible for roughly $17.7 million of his contract in 2026-27.
According to reports, Caldwell-Pope is expected to join the Philadelphia 76ers, who last week signed LeBron James. When that move becomes official after he clears waivers, it would unite him with a team focused on contending immediately — a timeline that better aligns with where he is in his career.
Caldwell-Pope had arrived in Memphis as part of the June 2025
trade that sent Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic. In return, the Grizzlies acquired Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony and multiple draft picks.
At the time, Caldwell-Pope projected as a steady veteran starter alongside Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. with a reputation for durability and championship experience. Instead, he endured the most injury-plagued season of his career as Memphis stumbled to a 25-57 record.
Here’s why Philadelphia may be a better fit for Caldwell-Pope than Memphis.
Winning urgency
When he joined the Grizzlies, he made it clear he believed they could compete in the Western Conference. After winning NBA championships with the Los Angeles Lakers (and James) and the Denver Nuggets, plus helping Orlando reach the 2025 playoffs, he had grown accustomed to meaningful games with postseason stakes.
Memphis opened the season 3-2 before losing nine of its next 10 games. As the season unfolded, the organization’s priorities shifted toward developing its young core.
Although Caldwell-Pope had one year remaining on his contract, the timelines no longer matched. At 33, his focus is on competing for titles. Grizzlies general manager Zach Kleiman has acknowledged the franchise is building around a younger group, even while expressing confidence the transition won’t take long. Still, it became increasingly clear that Caldwell-Pope’s best opportunity could be elsewhere.
A crowded backcourt
Even if Caldwell-Pope had returned, his role was far from certain.
He opened last season as a starter alongside Morant and Jaylen Wells, but as rookie Cedric Coward emerged, Caldwell-Pope eventually lost his place in the starting lineup.
Scotty Pippen Jr., Cam Spencer and Ty Jerome all can play either guard spot, while Wells, Coward and GG Jackson are expected to command larger roles on the wing. With only so many minutes available, Caldwell-Pope risked becoming the odd man out on one of the NBA’s youngest rosters.
Familiar faces in Philadelphia
Caldwell-Pope has built strong relationships throughout his NBA career, including several through Klutch Sports Group.
The fit with the 76ers makes sense. James and point guard Tyrese Maxey are also Klutch clients, and James and Caldwell-Pope won an NBA championship together with the Lakers in 2020.
In the end, the buyout appears to benefit both sides.
Caldwell-Pope lands with a team positioned to compete now, while the Grizzlies create additional flexibility and playing time for their young core as the franchise continues building toward its future.
Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at damichael.cole@commercialappeal.com. Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Why Kentavious Caldwell-Pope’s buyout was right move for Grizzlies
