The Philadelphia 76ers are closing out a transformative day with a familiar face. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who hoisted the Larry O'Brien Trophy alongside LeBron James during the 2019-20 season with the Los Angeles Lakers, is on the verge of joining the Sixers. The veteran wing is currently working out a buyout with the Memphis Grizzlies after exercising his $21.6 million player option. Once he clears waivers, he intends to sign with Philadelphia, per Chris Haynes of NBA on Prime. The reunion with James adds another layer to a roster that already underwent a seismic shift earlier in the day when James agreed to a two-year, $8 million contract.

But the path to adding Caldwell-Pope is not straightforward. The Sixers have filled their 15 standard roster spots, and the James signing pushed them $460,000 into the first tax apron—a hard cap they cannot exceed because they used the non-taxpayer mid-level exception. To create room, Philadelphia must waive at least two players. The most likely candidates are Dalen Terry and Jabari Walker. Terry's $2.58 million salary for the 2026-27 season is fully non-guaranteed, while Walker's contract has only $250,000 guaranteed. By waiving both, the Sixers would free up $4.46 million in cap space—well below the first apron threshold. Caldwell-Pope would likely sign a one-year veteran minimum deal, counting just $2.45 million against the cap.

Caldwell-Pope's arrival addresses a lingering need for reliable wing depth. While he is no longer the elite 3-and-D threat he was during his championship runs with the Lakers and the Denver Nuggets in 2022-23, he remains a capable rotational player. The Sixers don't need him to carry a heavy load—just knock down open threes, provide sound defense, and eat up spot minutes. That role suits a player whose recent seasons have been rocky. After signing a three-year, $66 million contract with the Orlando Magic in July 2024, Caldwell-Pope struggled to replicate his two-way impact. The Magic traded him to Memphis a year later as part of the package for Desmond Bane.

In Memphis, Caldwell-Pope never found his rhythm. He averaged 8.4 points on 31.6% shooting from deep across 51 games before undergoing season-ending surgery on his right pinky in February. That low three-point percentage is an outlier given his career track record, and the instability of the Grizzlies' roster likely played a role. With the Sixers' established talent and competitive environment, it's reasonable to expect a modest bounce-back. He will likely share minutes with Justin Edwards at the backup small forward spot until one of them stakes a clear claim.

Philadelphia's depth chart now looks crowded but balanced. At point guard, Tyrese Maxey leads, with Keyontae Johnson (listed as "Philon") behind him. The shooting guard spot features rookies and veterans like Edgecombe, Simons, and Terry (if he isn't waived). Small forward duties fall to Jaylen Brown, Caldwell-Pope, and Justin Edwards. The power forward rotation includes LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Harrison Barnes (listed as "Barlow"), and Walker. At center, Joel Embiid anchors the lineup, with Adem Bona, Hukporti, and Johni Broome providing depth.

This is likely the Sixers' final move of the offseason, barring a two-way signing. It caps a historic day in the Delaware Valley, one that saw the franchise land LeBron James and now add a trusted veteran who has already won at the highest level with him. Caldwell-Pope's experience, defensive savvy, and familiarity with James could prove invaluable in the locker room and on the court. For a team that came up short last postseason, these moves signal a clear intent to contend immediately.