This offseason, keeping Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is undoubtedly the Denver Nuggets’ top goal. But doing so may have unintended consequences, such as breaking the NBA’s second tax apron. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst claims that won’t deter them.
Windhorst talked about the Nuggets’ pressing need to re-sign him as soon as possible on “The Hoop Collective.”
KCP intends to withdraw. Therefore, the query is, “Does he make it to July 1?” stated Windhorst. Denver does not wish for that to occur. Denver is eager to complete that.
The player option for Caldwell-Pope is worth $15.4 million. Given his proficiency as a 3-and-D wing and his championship background, he should enjoy a robust market. It seems logical that the Nuggets would want to work out an extension since they won’t be able to replace what he provides on an appropriate basis.
Should Caldwell-Pope be re-signed to a large contract, the Nuggets would probably surpass the NBA’s second tax threshold. They can afford to pay a significant amount of money to maintain their starting lineup because they have won a title. Paying so much for their starting five, though, will prevent them from signing other players for rotation.
The fact that veterans hoping for a title and a rotation spot will undoubtedly find them in Denver may add to their appeal.
Teams that might be prepared to provide more than the Nuggets can are up against Denver. Caldwell-Pope may receive a deal from the Indiana Pacers in 2023 that is comparable to the one Bruce Brown had, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.
Guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is a free agent. Scotto expressed concern that Caldwell-Pope might reject his $15.44 million player option, hit unrestricted free agency, and accept a short-term offer for a higher salary annually, something like Bruce Brown’s previous two-year, $45 million contract with Indiana.
Brown’s contribution to the Nuggets’ first-ever title as a team was the reason for the significant compensation increase. It’s understandable why Caldwell-Pope wouldn’t at least receive that contract offer given his increased role with the Nuggets.
The notion that Denver would undoubtedly incur costs in order to retain Caldwell-Pope is further supported by Scotto’s report. Providing long-term stability to Caldwell-Pope, 31, is something that may go in their favor.
The Nuggets’ greatest worry this offseason is losing Caldwell-Pope, as Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report has noted. He also mentioned the people who would probably be vying for his services.
“Any club should be interested in a 6’5″ wing who averages 40.6 percent in three-pointers, plays tenacious defense, and has started for two championship teams in the last five years.”
“The Philadelphia 76ers and Orlando Magic both need a shooting guard and have max cap space. Teams like the Charlotte Hornets, Utah Jazz, Oklahoma City Thunder, and San Antonio Spurs will also have cap room, and the Detroit Pistons will want to acquire experienced assistance.
Of those clubs, only the Magic, Sixers, and Thunder are anticipated to be in the mix for a postseason spot in 2024–25. But they’ll probably look elsewhere for a star before going to Caldwell-Pope. However, none of them can sign a big free agent, and if they don’t succeed, it could be difficult for the Nuggets to hold onto Caldwell-Pope.
