NBA Rumors: 76ers could steal two-time champion in sneaky free agency move

Aside from a recent withdrawal, the Philadelphia 76ers haven’t had any transaction yet with free agency already having unofficially begun. To be fair, though, teams can only negotiate on the surface with the moratorium still a couple of weeks from being lifted, and so far, the only two confirmed deals have just been free agents re-upping with their respective clubs. But we’re just nitpicking.

In reality, the 76ers are most likely already trying to secure commitments from various free agents. While their hunt for a third star remains the elephant in the room, they would be needing role players regardless, giving them all the reason to engage with players in the open market for potential deals that could interest them.

76ers rumored to be interested in Kentavious Caldwell-Pope

Multiple outlets have recently reported that the Philadelphia 76ers are strongly interested in Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who is widely expected to decline his player option to enter unrestricted free agency.

KCP, a two-time NBA champion currently playing for the Nuggets as Jamal Murray’s sidekick in the backcourt, will easily draw a lot of suitors this offseason. He’s a prototypical 3-and-D off-guard who is pretty reliable on defense and shoots three-pointers well. Over the last four seasons, he’s canned 40.6 percent of his tries from rainbow country.

Denver could very well try to retain him, and they probably would, though it could prove to be a trek as he could potentially command a contract worth more than they can offer him.

With De’Anthony Melton and Buddy Hield both expected to walk in free agency, the 76ers would be a perfect spot for Caldwell-Pope, who will seamlessly jump into the starting shooting guard spot and provide Philly with a steadier hand to man the wing position.

Should the 76ers indeed opt to skip their star-hunting ventures and instead shift their focus on balancing the roster, KCP would be a sneaky good addition. Not only would it bolster the team overall, but it would also weaken a potential Finals opponent in Denver should both teams get there.