Report: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope exercising choice to remain in Memphis

After missing out on nearly half of last season, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope reportedly is giving it another go in Memphis.

The two-time NBA champion swingman will exercise his $21.6 million player option for next season and remain with the Grizzlies, ESPN reported Friday.

Caldwell-Pope, 33, missed 31 games last season, including the final 29 after undergoing surgery on his right pinky finger in February. He was averaging 8.4 points, 2.7 assists and 2.5 rebounds when he was shut down.

The Grizzlies acquired Caldwell-Pope last offseason in the trade that sent Desmond Bane to Orlando. He played one season with the Magic after signing a three-year, $66 million contract prior to the 2024-25 season.

Drafted eighth overall by Detroit in 2013, the former Georgia star has played with six clubs over his 13 NBA seasons. After four seasons with the Pistons, he played four with the Los Angeles Lakers, winning his first NBA title in the 2019-20 season. Following a season with the Washington Wizards, he won his second championship in 2023 during a two-season stint with the Denver Nuggets prior to joining the Magic.

Caldwell-Pope is a career 36.5% shooter from 3-point range but has seen his percentage drop from 40.6% in his second season with the Nuggets to 34.2% in 2024-25 and then 31.6% last season. He has averaged 11 points, 2.9 rebounds and 1.9 assists over his career.

–Field Level Media