Philadelphia 76ers

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope has reportedly drawn interest from several organizations in free agency, according to NBA reporter Mike Singer.

Per Singer, the Indiana Pacers, Philadelphia 76ers, and Orlando Magic are among the teams that could lure him away from the Denver Nuggets as he searches for a "longer deal."

The Dallas Mavericks are also a threat to sign him, as NBA insider Marc Stein reported on Friday that "mutual interest" exists between Caldwell-Pope and the Mavericks. However, a sign-and-trade would be needed for Dallas to acquire him.

Caldwell-Pope is slated to become a free agent after declining his $15.4 million player option to return to the Nuggets on Thursday (h/t Shams Charania and Tony Jones of The Athletic). The 31-year-old spent the past two seasons of his career in Denver after the team acquired him in a 2022 trade with the Washington Wizards.

He served as a two-way floor-spacing option alongside Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray, helping the Nuggets earn a championship in 2023. Caldwell-Pope also started to become more of a threat with the ball in his hands last season, connecting on 45.1 percent of his 51 pull-up three-point attempts (via NBA.com).

KCP is heating up from downtown! 🔥

He has 5 of the Nuggets 13 made 3-pointers early in the 3Q live on NBA TV.

📲 https://t.co/Ji6hxfCqRp pic.twitter.com/sXPDN4dJJz

— NBA (@NBA) March 31, 2024

His proven ability to stay effective as a starting-caliber player on a title-winning team is likely one of the many reasons why Eastern Conference playoff contenders such as the 76ers, Pacers, and Magic are interested in him.

Philadelphia and Orlando may not covet him at the outset of free agency, though. Per Charania, the 76ers and Magic are among the teams expected to meet with nine-time All-Star Paul George starting "late Sunday night" after the former Los Angeles Clippers forward declined his $48.7 million player option.

If both teams are prioritizing George in their free-agent plans, the Pacers and Mavericks could pursue Caldwell-Pope early and get a head start compared to Philadelphia and Orlando.

Tyrese Maxey's five-year, $205 million contract extension is coming. He's just going to have to wait on it a bit longer.

NBA insider Marc Stein reported the Philadelphia 76ers plan to "swiftly" re-sign Maxey once they have used their cap space in free agency.

The Sixers are slated to have max-level room but will need to time their new signings in a certain order to make the deals work under the cap. Maxey has a cap hold of just $13 million, so holding out and waiting to use their space was always the plan. While a team could attempt to foil that plan by offering Maxey an offer sheet, there's no chance he signs it given the Sixers can offer him the most long-term security.

Both the team and Maxey have both been open about following this plan since before the start of last season.

"At the end of the day, like I said, it's a competition," Maxey told reporters before the start of the 2023-24 season. "We have one goal in mind and I love Philly. I know this is the business. I know this is how it goes and I'm a happy person. This is my life. I'm happy with it."

While he had to be patient in waiting for his nine-figure payday, Maxey likely made himself some money along the way. He solidified himself into a max-contract player last season, averaging 25.9 points, 3.7 rebounds and 6.2 assists on his way to making his first All-Star team and winning Most Improved Player.

The Sixers are expected to be aggressive early in the free-agency period, with Los Angeles Clippers All-Star Paul George among their top targets.

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported that, while the Utah Jazz do not necessarily want to trade Lauri Markkanen, teams are preparing aggressive offers for the 27-year-old forward (h/t Evan Sidery).

The Jazz are open to listening to trade offers on Lauri Markkanen, per @wojespn:

- Utah was seriously in on acquiring Mikal Bridges, and now teams wonder if they will pivot to sell.

- Utah would like to keep Markkanen “in a perfect world,” but teams are preparing aggressive… pic.twitter.com/SjWXmDuhVA

— Evan Sidery (@esidery) June 29, 2024

While there is no indication on which teams are preparing said offers, there is one that should consider adding Markkanen to their roster in pursuit of an NBA title: the Philadelphia 76ers.

The Sixers have been linked to Paul George since their season ended earlier than expected and continue to be. It is no surprise as the team needs a third star if it wants to make a realistic run at a title and George is a player that complements what they do and does so graciously, without ego. He is a selfless player who can take over games or yield to the bigger stars when necessary and is the type of player who would thrive in that city.

He is also seeking a max contract; a contract ESPN estimates at $212 million over four years.

No one would blame the Sixers for dishing out the money to acquire George's services, but Markkanen may prove more valuable.

The Finnish-born player is in the final year of an expiring contract and is due just over $18 million. While he does not play the same position as George, he is statistically similar to the higher-profile star.

Markkanen averaged 23.2 points per game to George's 22.6, shot 48 percent from the paint to the Clipper's 47.1, and 39.9 percent from beyond the arc to George's 41.3. He added 8.2 rebounds per game, as well as two assits, 0.9 steals, and 0.5 blocks.

He was a quality scorer for the Jazz and it is no surprise that general manager Danny Ainge will look for the best, most fruitful package possible in order to give up the burgeoning star.

Markkanen can drive to the net and finish or hang back and take the all-important deep shots. He creates room for himself and has evolved into the player most expected him to be during his time with the Chicago Bulls.

More confident than ever, he is a player who can come in and from day one, give the Sixers another inside presence to go along with the face that runs the place, Joel Embiid. He also will not step on the toes of Tyrese Maxey, who the team is about to give a max contract to and hopes will continue developing into the star of the future.

Me when I get the “The Philadelphia 76ers have traded for Lauri Markkanen” notification. (I’m delusional)
pic.twitter.com/pPFlCyj0v7

— Aidan LaPorta (@AidanLaPorta69) June 25, 2024

And, if for whatever reason the fit does not work, the team makes no long-term investment in him outside of whatever it gives up to acquire him from Utah.

If it does, the team can negotiate a long-term deal at the end of next season rather than having to navigate those waters while trying to get the Maxey deal done.

Does Markkanen have the name value that George does? No, but he brings some of the same strengths to the court, with potential to continue his evolution. That there is an element of physicality there, too, would help a team that has not always been able to assert dominance in the way that it should.

Sixers may not love it on the surface, but there is reason to believe a deal for the younger, still progressing player would be every bit as beneficial as exhausting the cap and bringing in the more recognizable star.

The Philadelphia 76ers are believed to be the "frontrunner" to land veteran forward Paul George in free agency this offseason, per the Philadelphia Inquirer's Keith Pompey.

George, 34, declined his $48.7 million player option with the Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday to become an unrestricted free agent.

Pompey also noted that George's potential arrival in Philadelphia could lead to him bringing in role players to make the 76ers an NBA Finals contending team.

"If he comes to Philly, sources believe George will help recruit solid role players for the Sixers' pursuit of an NBA championship-caliber roster," Pompey wrote.

While the 76ers are the early frontrunners to sign George, there are a pair of expected competitors for Philly. His former team, the Los Angeles Clippers, remain in the mix, as do the Orlando Magic.

The Athletic and Stadium's Shams Charania reported Saturday that George plans to meet with the 76ers, Clippers and Magic once free agency opens late Sunday night. Philadelphia might seem like the most appealing option for George in terms of contending for a championship, but Los Angeles or Orlando could offer him a more enticing financial deal.

The Magic are already seemingly preparing to make a push for George, declining Moe Wagner's $8 million team as well as Joe Ingles' $11 million team option on Saturday, giving them extra cap space to work with in free agency.

Orlando would be an intriguing fit for George. He would likely get to be the team's main option as Paolo Banchero continues to develop while still playing for a team capable of competing in the playoffs.

In Philly, he would most likely be the team's second or even third option behind Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. That could be the situation he's looking for at this point in his career, though.

Of course, staying with the Clippers would be a comfortable option for George. Los Angeles has faced back-to-back first-round exits in the playoffs, but has a championship-caliber roster when fully healthy. With the right deal, it wouldn't be a surprise to see George stay put.

Heading into next week's free agency, George's decision will be one of the biggest moves to monitor.

Now that Paul George is set to hit free agency after declining his $48.7 option with the Los Angeles Clippers, per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, he is likely only an option for teams with cap space.

76ers fans are hoping that means the Clippers star will choose to join Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid in Philadelphia.

76ers are "expected to aggressively pursue" Paul George and are a "legitimate threat" to sign him, per B/R's @ChrisBHaynes pic.twitter.com/YMDhXF8BjJ

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) June 29, 2024

Sixers should absolutely give Paul George the max now that it won’t require any picks in a trade

PG with Embiid/Maxey are the second best team in the East and legit title contenders pic.twitter.com/kmb8M03yMv

— Eliot Shorr-Parks (@EliotShorrParks) June 29, 2024

If Paul George wants his best chance to compete for a championship and the most money he will come to Philadelphia

If he had opted in and tried to force a trade I would have said the door is likely closed for the Sixers to sign PG. He is very much in play now https://t.co/9OTwjAlBlF

— Sean Barnard (@Sean_Barnard1) June 29, 2024

Paul George should go to the Sixers.

-Perfect fit with Maxey and Embiid
-Can sign for the max into cap space
-Philly has more cap space and picks to make additional moves

Now that sign-and-trades are unlikely, Philly is by far George’s best option to pursue a championship. https://t.co/cPFUATNT5W

— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) June 29, 2024

According to Wojnarowski, George is "planning to set meetings with cap space teams and the Clippers beginning Sunday night."

After building their 2023-24 roster with a bevy of expiring contracts, the 76ers only have four players officially signed for next season, according to Spotrac.

That gives the Sixers more than a $100 million cap in space heading into free agency, more than enough to re-sign current restricted free agent Maxey— as well as make a bid to add George to the fold.

Y’all haters can save the cope. A big 3 of Maxey, PG, and Embiid is awesome and fits beautifully together

— Will Rucker (@Will_Rucker3_AD) June 29, 2024

https://twitter.com/AidanDoc_/status/1807163842683945363

Maxey/PG/Embiid is actually really legit

— Zachary Brown (@thehistorian89) June 29, 2024

Maxey PG and a healthy Embiid is something 🔥 https://t.co/k4oBSXufEf

— TMPodcast (@TMPodcast23) June 29, 2024

Some fans are hoping that, in addition to pursuing George, the Sixers continue to target rumored trade option Lauri Markkanen of the Utah Jazz.

Both Markkanen and George would then be able to slot into the rotation in Philadelphia next fall.

https://twitter.com/PhillySuperPhan/status/1807162332004413885

Maxey
-----
Lauri
PG
Embiid

make it happen

— sims (@stepbacksims) June 29, 2024

Philly with PG is toughhhhh.. if they find a way to get Lauri too mannnnn

— D'angelo Hustle (@GrizzydaGr8) June 29, 2024

The Sixers have made the playoffs for seven straight seasons, but haven't gotten any farther than the second round.

Some fans believe the addition of George, who averaged 22.6 points through 74 starts with the Clippers last season, will be enough to push the team over the hump.

https://twitter.com/aliaboooeid/status/1807159446331916444

Joel Embiid + Tyrese Maxey + Paul George

+ Whoever the Nets trade the Sixers

Is going to be a contender

— Doug Norrie (@DougNorrie) June 29, 2024

NBA teams are allowed to begin negotiating with free agents Sunday, while free agents can sign with a new team starting July 6.

George is reportedly seeking a four-year maximum extension, so the Sixers may need to be prepared to offer up that term if they want to win the upcoming bidding war for the nine-time All-Star guard.

The Philadelphia 76ers appear to be unleashing a full court press in the quest to get Paul George.

Chris Haynes of Turner Sports reported that the 76ers are "expected to aggressively pursue Paul George" and that the team is a "legitimate threat" to sign the nine-time All-Star away from Los Angeles.

Philadelphia 76ers are expected to aggressively pursue Paul George and is a legitimate threat in luring the star away from Los Angeles, sources say. https://t.co/c3JYzn335H

— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) June 29, 2024

George opted-out of his $48.8 million player option for the 2024-25 season, which means that he will be an unrestricted free agent when the period opens June 30.

---

The 76ers interest in George is not a new development. as the franchise has been a top contender for him all offseason. The Clippers will likely remain in play for George, as president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank said the team would like to keep George but will respect his decisions.

Other teams linked to George include the Nuggets and Warriors, but heading to Philadelphia could be intriguing. The 76ers have made the playoffs in seven consecutive seasons but have failed to advance past the second round during that stretch. Still, the roster contains Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey and a weaker Eastern Conference could mean that the 76ers can potentially go on a run and not deal with a gauntlet like the Western Conference teams.

The 76ers have $116 million in second apron space, which means they could make quite the push for George and potentially add another player as well. This would put Philadelphia in the conversation with the Boston Celtics and New York Knicks and could help George chase the elusive NBA Championship.

The Philadelphia 76ers and Paul George have been linked from the minute both were ousted from the NBA Playoffs, thanks to the latter's impending free agency and the former's need for a third star to go alongside Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey if the squad hopes to compete in the Eastern Conference.

Michael Scotto of Hoops Hype reported that contrary to a recent report that cited traveling across the country to sign with Philadelphia as a reason the Los Angeles Clippers star's interest in joining the squad had cooled down, "there remains significant interest from the 76ers in signing him as a free agent, league sources told HoopsHype."

There should be considerable interest on Philly's part when it comes to signing Paul.

He is the one star that fits the organization in terms of what it has in place and what it hopes to accomplish in the coming years.

The 76ers are about to sign Maxey to a max deal that will pay him $205 million over five years according to The Athletic's John Hollinger and after his performance this past season, the front office believes he can be the face of the team for years to come.

The last thing the organization wants to do is go out and acquire a superstar who does not acknowledge as much, comes in, and tries to establish himself as the guy at the detriment to Maxey's development.

The team does not have to worry about that with Paul.

Sure, he can step up, take over games, and shut opponents down like any other megastar the league has to offer. He is also an incredibly unselfish player for someone of his stature, content to play the setup man for others, as we have seen at every stop in his professional career.

He has no problem playing a No. 2, dishing the ball to his teammates and putting them in the best position to succeed, then dropping back in defense and playing gritty ball when necessary. He does not have to capture the headlines, trend on social media for his dazzling offense or overshadow his teammates.

That will endear him to Embiid, too, who has plenty left in the tank and remains the current face of the Philadelphia franchise.

From a statistical standpoint, George brings undeniable numbers to the table.

In 33.8 minutes of work per game in 2023-24, he averaged 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.5 assists, a field goal percentage of 47.1, and a three-point percentage of 41.3. Most impressive were the shooting percentages, which were the highest of his 14-year career.

Add to them his 90.7 percent from the foul line, a full three-percent uptick from a season earlier, and you have a legitimate superstar who has not rested on his reputation but, rather, continues to put the work in to be better than he was.

It is no wonder that the 76ers and other contending teams, such as the Golden State Warriors, are eager to sign George.

Warriors are prepared to offer PG a 4-year max via opt-in and trade, per @WindhorstESPN 😮💰 pic.twitter.com/uKdYa1DyWv

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) June 26, 2024

None, though, need him and would benefit as much as the Sixers would, particularly in an Atlantic Division that is home to the NBA champion Boston Celtics and a New York Knicks team that got exponentially better over the last few days with a trade for Mikal Bridges and the re-signing of OG Anunoby.

Jared McCain is set to join a contender in the Eastern Conference.

The Philadelphia 76ers selected the Duke standout with the No. 16 pick in the NBA Draft.

Jared McCain is heading to the Sixers at No. 16 ⭐️

The Duke freshman helped lead the Blue Devils to an Elite 8 run 🔥

(via @ShamsCharania) pic.twitter.com/Ap6F1ScBkW

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) June 27, 2024

The first @DukeMBB player off the board 😈

Jared McCain lands in Philly 👏 pic.twitter.com/xUFPpdM6rC

— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) June 27, 2024

He will join a Philadelphia 76ers team with a core centered around Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, with the franchise also looking like a contender to land an impact player this offseason.

Fans took to social media to praise the pick and project where McCain could fit in the lineup.

---

GREAT PICK JARED FITS NICELY IN PHILLY

— tboe 🍌 (@tboe3D) June 27, 2024

GREAT PICK JARED FITS NICELY IN PHILLY

— tboe 🍌 (@tboe3D) June 27, 2024

https://twitter.com/mcraeball/status/1806143802270154871

fantastic pick

— Mike (@panoramicsport) June 27, 2024

AMAZING PICK 👏🏾

— Travis Love (@TravisDropEm) June 27, 2024

https://twitter.com/ChasenCash23/status/1806145190085971998

My TikTok icon Jared McCain is a Sixer 😍

— Sarah Shockey (@SarahShockey6) June 27, 2024

Can’t wait to see what Jared McCain is going to do in the NBA hope he does well

— Aaron peterson (@AaronPsports) June 27, 2024

JARED MCCAIN WHAT UPPPPPP

— Legendary (@legendarycmntry) June 27, 2024

jared mccain is going to make me a sixers fan

— real danny brière (@chefbriere) June 27, 2024

The two most consistent, hard working athletes I’ve ever crossed paths with are @Cen10Huskies Camryn Bynum (@Cambeezy_) and Jared McCain (@J_mccain_24).

Cut from a different cloth.
Philly drafted a winner!

— Anthony Catalano (@QBCatalano) June 27, 2024

Very excited for Tyrese Maxey and Jared McCain's vibes.

— Benjamin Goldstein (@BGoldsteinPSR) June 27, 2024

Jared McCain was a steal in the draft for the Sixers tonight. Many of you will realize it in 2026.

— Jim From South Jersey (@JimFromSJersey) June 27, 2024

---

McCain was one of the more well known prospects in the 2024 Draft. The 20-year-old has 2.8 million followers on TikTok, and was also a very dynamic force for the Duke Blue Devils in the programs run to the Elite Eight.

McCain averaged 14.3 points, five rebounds and 1.9 assists in 36 games for Duke during his only season with the program. He was named to the ACC All-Freshman team and was also named to the NCAA All-Region team during the 2024 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament.

He joins a Philadelphia team that has reached the postseason in seven consecutive years, but has been unable to advance past the second round during that stretch. Philadelphia went 47-35 in 2023-24 and fell to the New York Knicks in the first round.

McCain brings some big game experience to the locker room and could fit in nicely along Maxey and Embiid. The 76ers have also been linked to players like Paul George and could have a very busy offseason ahead of them.

The Philadelphia 76ers have added sharp-shooting talent in Jared McCain, an undersized guard who established himself as a top shooter and rebounder during his freshman season at Duke.

---

Bleacher Report Draft Expert Jonathan Wasserman's Scouting Report

Player: Jared McCain

Position: SG

Height: 6'3"

Pro Comparison: Immanuel Quickley

Scouting Report: McCain arrived at Duke known for shotmaking, and he delivered on his reputation with consistent shooting off catch and dribble. But he also made scouts look past his limited size and athleticism with effective dribble creativity, floater touch and finishing craft that should allow him to be used in ball-screen situations at the next level.

76ers Active Roster and 2024-25 Salary (Expiration Year)

Joel Embiid, C: $51.4M (2027)

Paul Reed, C: $7.7M (2026)

Ricky Council IV, G: $1.9M (2027)

Jared McCain, SG: Rookie scale contract

Free Agents

Tobias Harris, PF: UFA

Kyle Lowry, PG: UFA

Buddy Hield, SG: UFA

Robert Covington, PF: UFA

Nic Batum, SF: UFA

De'Anthony Melton, SG: UFA

Tyrese Maxey, PG: RFA

Kelly Oubre, Jr., SF: UFA

Cam Payne, PG: UFA

Kenyon Martin Jr., SF: UFA

Jeff Dowtin, PG: Club option

---

A consensus five-star recruit out of high school, McCain established himself as a leading shooter and rebounder in 36 starts during his freshman season at Duke.

McCain averaged 14.3 points and 5.0 rebounds throughout the season.

He helped push Duke to the Elite Eight by becoming the program's first freshman to record two 30-point performances in the NCAA Tournament.

One of those outings came during a Round of 32 victory over James Madison, when McCain set another Duke freshman tournament standard by going 8-from-11 from behind the arc.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ziPzCKf3l_Q

McCain finished the season having shot 41.4 percent from deep on 5.8 three-point attempts per game.

He also shot 42.1 percent on catch-and-shoot three-pointers, and was additionally successful at operating Duke's pick-and-roll.

McCain's playmaking and shooting success with the Blue Devils led to comparisons to 6-foot-3 Toronto Raptors guard Immanuel Quickley and his reliance on his elite floater.

Quickley, a former shooting guard for the New York Knicks, found the most success when he switched to point guard with the Raptors. McCain's shooting and ability to grab defensive rebounds could help him succeed if Philadelphia decides to similarly redefine his role in the NBA.

Over 11 NBA seasons, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope has played for four teams. The 31-year-old guard has spent the past two with the Denver Nuggets, helping them win a championship at the end of the 2022-23 season.

However, Caldwell-Pope's time in Denver could soon be coming to an end.

With a player option worth about $15.4 million for the 2024-25 season, Caldwell-Pope has a decision to make. He can either opt in for another season with the Nuggets, or he could become an unrestricted free agent and see what the market has to offer.

There's a good chance Caldwell-Pope could find more money if he hits free agency. That's why it's "increasingly expected" he will decline the option, according to a recent report by NBA insider Marc Stein.

If that happens, then which teams could show interest? Stein also noted that the Orlando Magic and the Philadelphia 76ers are "weighing runs" at Caldwell-Pope, should he become available.

It would make quite a bit of sense for the Sixers to target Caldwell-Pope.

For one, the veteran shooting guard remains a productive player at this point in his career. Caldwell-Pope averaged 10.1 points over 76 games during the 2023-24 season, while shooting 46 percent from the field and 40.6 percent from 3-point range.

Caldwell-Pope has averaged double-digit point totals each of the past three seasons (the first of which was spent with the Washington Wizards in 2021-22). He doesn't take a ton of shots per game, but he's efficient when he does shoot.

The 76ers already have a strong core in place, centered around center Joel Embiid and point guard Tyrese Maxey. They also have cap space to try to complement their star players as best they can.

While Caldwell-Pope wouldn't be another star, he'd be a strong supplemental piece in their rotation. His championship experience could also be beneficial for a Philadelphia franchise that hasn't made it past the second round of the playoffs since 2001.

The Sixers have enough financial flexibility that they could sign a player like Caldwell-Pope and still be able to make a bigger move (or several other mid-size ones). His probable contract wouldn't take up that much space.

It would be beneficial for the 76ers to add a player like Caldwell-Pope. And he should want to join a team that has legitimate playoff aspirations heading into the 2024-25 season. The two sides could possibly help take things to another level in Philadelphia.