Kentavious

Caldwell-Pope

Philadelphia’s reported interest in moving on from Broome has more to do with the pending signing of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope than anything else. Just as the team needed to waive Dalen Terry to have the roster spot needed to make the LeBron James signing official, another roster spot is needed to add KCP. Broome, who was limited to 11 NBA appearances last season and missed time with a knee injury, played well during Summer League. Still, the 76ers have Adem Bona and Ariel Hukporti to absorb minutes behind starting center Joel Embiid. In the right situation, Broome could have some streaming value throughout the season. According to Fischer, waiving Jabari Walker is another possibility, but the 76ers hope to hold onto him.

The team’s official X account broke the news on Sunday, making the former No. 18 pick a free agent. The move could be part of the Sixers’ plan to clear roster space and salary cap to add Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who NBA insider Chris Haynes reported intends to sign with Philadelphia after being bought out by Memphis. Terry split time with the Bulls and Sixers last season, averaging 3.7 points across 48 games.

Less than 24 hours after it was reported that Caldwell-Pope and the Grizzlies were negotiating a contract buyout, the veteran wing has been waived. Unless another team decides to file a claim, KCP will be headed to Philadelphia on a one-year, $3.9 million deal. Caldwell-Pope appeared in a career-low 51 games last season, as a finger injury ended his 2025-26 campaign just after the All-Star break. He can provide three-point shooting and wing defense in Philadelphia, but KCP is unlikely to be in a position where fantasy managers can rely on him for value.

The report comes after LeBron James’ decision to sign with the 76ers as a free agent. With Caldwell-Pope potentially heading to Philadelphia after being bought out of Memphis, he’d team up with James, with whom he won an NBA championship back in 2020. The 13-year veteran averaged 8.4 points and shot just 31.6 percent from beyond the arc last season in Memphis.

Ever since Caldwell-Pope exercised his $21.6 million option for the 2026-27 season, Wednesday’s report was the expected outcome. Memphis is in the midst of a rebuild, and the 33-year-old guard’s timeline does not align with it. Given the size of Caldwell-Pope’s contract and his production in recent years, his leaving Memphis via a waive-and-stretch provision feels more realistic than a trade.

Caldwell-Pope’s 2025-26 campaign ended early after he injured his finger and underwent surgery. Before the injury, the veteran guard was having one of his least-productive seasons as a pro and had struggled to provide fantasy value. Nonetheless, his opt -in will bring him back to Memphis for a third season.

Caldwell-Pope hasn’t been much of a fantasy factor in the last couple of seasons as his trademark three-point shooting has declined. The 33-year-old shooting guard, who appeared in 51 games for Memphis this year, had season-ending surgery on his right pinky finger Thursday. The Grizzlies are anticipating Caldwell-Pope to make a full recovery for next season.

Caldwell-Pope will undergo surgery to address the misalignment of his right pinky finger, with the Grizzlies expected to provide a return timeline afterward. Given where the team is in the standings, it may be a while before KCP returns to game action, as there’s no need to risk anything. When healthy, Caldwell-Pope has not affected fantasy basketball, so he can be left on the waiver wire.

Wells is available after sitting out Saturday’s loss to the Trail Blazers, which was Memphis’ second game in as many nights. His return means that Kentavious Caldwell-Pope will be bumped to the bench. KCP will remain in the rotation, but he should not be rostered in fantasy leagues.

The Grizzlies will be down numerous rotation guards for Saturday’s game. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is available, so he should figure prominently in the rotation, whether he starts or comes off the bench. Also, look for Jahmai Mashack to get more opportunities after playing solid minutes in Friday’s loss to Portland.