The Philadelphia Sixers were on the prowl for a third star last summer to pair alongside Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. They got what they wanted in Paul George, although that's a signing Daryl Morey might want to reconsider after the season the 34-year-old had.
George was Philadelphia's top target, but the Sixers were interested in a few role players, too. One of whom was Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, the top shooter on the free agency market. He declined his $15.4 million player option to become an unrestricted free agent. Philly's interest in KCP peaked when it seemed like PG13 was going to stay with the Clippers.
The Sixers ultimately signed George to a four-year contract worth $212 million, while Caldwell-Pope left Denver in a stunning move and signed a three-year, $66 million deal with Orlando. Ironically, two of the biggest free agency dominoes to fall -- PG13 and KCP -- had underwhelming seasons. The Magic's season isn't over yet, but it will likely be within the next week.
Orlando is down 0-2 against Boston. Game 2 was the Magic's best chance to "steal" a win with Jayson Tatum out, but that meant it was Jaylen Brown's time to shine. Orlando continued its theme of poor outside shooting, finishing 7-of-29 (24.1%) from three. The KCP signing was supposed to help, but he shot 1-of-9 from the field (0-of-6 from deep) for three points in 35 minutes.
Sixers missing out on Kentavious Caldwell-Pope was a blessing in disguise
NBA insider Marc Stein reported that Philadelphia was working on scenarios that would've allowed the team to sign George and Caldwell-Pope (subscription required). Imagine if that had happened.
The Sixers handcuffed themselves enough by signing PG13 and extending Joel Embiid, so it's a good thing that KCP is the Magic's problem. His value has decreased significantly since last season, which is what happens when you average 8.7 points per game (his lowest since he was a rookie) on 34.2% shooting from three. Orlando only thought it'd be getting the version of KCP that helped the Lakers and Nuggets win titles.
Philadelphia has enough to worry about without Caldwell-Pope. There wasn't much for Sixers fans to be grateful for in 2024-25 (winning the NBA Draft Lottery would make it all worth it), but at least Philly didn't use assets to clear enough space for PG13 and KCP.