The Philadelphia 76ers are working on a scenario where they will be able to sign both Paul George and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope in free agency, sources tell Marc Stein. Both George and Caldwell-Pope are unrestricted free agents, which could leave the Sixers to use draft assets to clear further space.
Caldwell-Pope, who is represented by Rich Paul, declined his $15.4 million option with the Denver Nuggets for the 24-25 season. Calvin Booth’s public comments this past week suggest the Nuggets are prepared to lose Caldwell-Pope in free agency. Caldwell-Pope is one of the NBA’s best 3&D wings, shooting better than 40 percent on three-pointers during each of his two seasons with the Nuggets.
The Sixers can offer George a four-year, $212 million deal. George is seeking a four-year, $221 million contract from the Clippers, but the most they can offer on a three-year deal is approximately $160 million.
Philadelphia is in a unique circumstance with their cap space given the number of players on their roster this past season on expiring contracts plus the $13 million cap hold of Tyrese Maxey, who is expected to sign a max contract once they settle their other transactions this offseason.
Chris Haynes, who hosts a podcast with Marc Stein, reports “there’s growing optimism” that the Sixers will receive a commitment from George in free agency.