Orlando, FL— NBA free agency began last night at 6 pm EST and the first domino to fall to the Magic was guard from the Denver Nuggets Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.
After the Magic decided not to pick up the club options on both Joe Ingles ($11 million) and Moe Wagner ($8 million), they were able to open up more than $50 million in cap space. Orlando didn’t waste time negotiating with Caldwell-Pope, and they agreed to a three-year $66 million deal with a player option on the last year of the contract, which was first reported by USA Today’s Jeff Zillgitt.
Caldwell-Pope, 31, opted out of his $15.4 million player option with the Denver Nuggets and decided to hit the open market after the Magic and Caldwell-Pope had reached an agreement it was reported shortly after by Tony Jones of The Athletic that the Nuggets had attempted to re-sign Caldwell-Pope.
Just twenty minutes after it was reported that KCP had reached an agreement with Orlando, Tony Jones reported:
“Denver offered KCP a salary pretty similar to what he ended up getting from Orlando and I’m told the Nuggets offered three years.”
Jeff Weltman and the Magic’s front office was able to lure Caldwell-Pope away from the Denver Nuggets with a similar contract which speaks volumes to the direction the organization is trending in.
KCP’s veteran leadership, championship pedigree, ability to stretch the floor, and to play defense at an exceptionally high level made him a valuable commodity for the Magic. Caldwell-Pope who is a two-time champion, was an integral part of the Lakers 2020 championship run in the bubble, as well as the Nuggets 2023 championship over the Miami Heat.
In his two seasons in Denver, Caldwell-Pope has eclipsed 40% from behind the arch while also playing in 76 games both years. As a defender, Caldwell-Pope allowed a league-best 40.6% field goal percentage as the closest defender last season, according to ESPN Stats & Information research. A defensive backcourt that features KCP who is an incredible wing defender, as well as Jalen Suggs who was just selected to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team this past season, will make this one of the best defensive backcourts in the NBA.
Caldwell-Pope’s ability to shoot from the outside will help Orlando make another jump next season. The Magic in 2023-24 ranked 22nd in offensive efficiency, 24th in 3-point shooting, and they were tied for 30th in threes made per game. In the playoffs, the Magic were 4th worst in threes made per game, and 3rd worst in 3PT%.
Caldwell-Pope has been a very durable and reliable player since entering the league in 2013-14. KCP throughout his career is shooting 42.7% from the field, 36.9% from deep, and has played in 835 games since entering the league which is the most over that span.
With the KCP signing the Magic still have around $30 million in cap space allowing them to have more flexibility moving forward. The Magic will attempt to potentially re-sign free agents Joe Ingles, Moe Wagner, Markelle Fultz, Goga Bitdaze, etc. Orlando may look to be aggressive with other looming free agents Gary Trent Jr, Buddy Hield, Caleb Martin, etc.
Orlando has found a veteran in Kentavious Caldwell-Pope who will be a mentor on and off the floor, help solve the Magic’s shooting woes, and continue to add to the defensive identity of this team.
