NBA insider: new surprise team emerges in the hunt for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope

The number one topic on the mind of every Nuggets fan is surely the expected free agency of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and where he will ultimately play basketball next season. This has been bubbling all season as everyone knew KCP’s $15.4 million player option was looming in the offseason.

Well, now that decision is mere days away and all signs point to Caldwell-Pope opting out and testing the unrestricted free agency market. As free agents like Pascal Siakam and Malik Monk have signed new deals to stay with their current teams already, the free agency market is getting thinner and thinner. 

Caldwell-Pope would be a hot commodity on the open market and he can surely corral a long-term deal, likely for more than $20 million a year. As much as it may peeve Nuggets fans, it would be crazy for KCP not to opt out and secure the financial security while his value is so high.

76ers and Magic known to be interested in signing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope

Naturally, with this decision pending, there have been many rumors and reports about what teams may be interested in KCP and have the cap space to lure him away from Denver. The obvious candidates that have been posited by multiple experts are the Philadelphia 76ers and Orlando Magic.

Both of those teams have the cap space to pay KCP, the need for his skill set, and a desire to contend for a championship in the immediate future. They may have loftier ambitions - Paul George for the Sixers and Klay Thompson for the Magic - but Caldwell-Pope would be an excellent consolation prize for either squad.

Chicago Bulls emerge as new suitor for Caldwell-Pope

NBA insider, Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports reported that another team may have interest in KCP if he hits free agency, the Chicago Bulls. Fischer reiterated the interest from Philly and Orlando but also added that Chicago could be a potential landing spot if they are unable to retain Patrick Williams.

On the surface, this seems like an odd fit as the Bulls are nowhere close to contending and just traded Alex Caruso, one of their best players, for the 21-year-old Josh Giddey who still needs polish. But KCP would be a great veteran for a young team and a guy who could absolutely help change the culture of an organization.

It’s unclear if that’s the kind of move Caldwell-Pope would welcome at this stage in his career. But one would think if the Bulls are serious about stealing him away, they’d have to offer a significant pay raise. At the end of the day, money talks, and if the Bulls throw out an offer the Nuggets (and possibly 76ers and Magic) aren’t comfortable matching, then we may well see him in Chicago next season.

The prevailing point here is that the Nuggets need to do everything they can to reach a deal with KCP before he hits the open market. There will be a lot of competition for his services and no shortage of suitors. One thing is for sure, the next few days are going to be very stressful in Denver.