Overshadowed NBA free-agency decision could have title ramifications

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is leaving the Denver Nuggets, agreeing to a three-year, $66 million deal Sunday with the Orlando Magic, per The Athletic.

The deal has not been celebrated as much as other free-agent agreements, but KCP's departure from Denver and arrival in Orlando should have a significant impact on both teams.

The Nuggets losing the 3-and-D wing will hamper their chances of being a championship contender. Denver would likely have needed to enter the second tax apron to retain the 11-year veteran, a move that would have come with a heavy price tag as well as limitations on roster flexibility.

The result is a two-time champion with a valuable skill set walking away from a roster headlined by three-time MVP Nikola Jokic, who is in the prime of his career. The Nuggets are also left with little wiggle room to replace Caldwell-Pope, a reality hinted at by general manager Calvin Booth during a news conference ahead of free agency.

“It would be nice if he’s back, we’d have a lot of continuity together, but all the stuff I’ve looked at with lineup stuff and everything, (backup) Christian Braun is one of the best net rating guys in the league — as is KCP," Booth said, per NBA Central . "So I think if he’s to step into the starting lineup, I would project that we’ll be OK if KCP doesn’t return.”

On the flip side, Orlando will gain a player who can contribute on both ends of the floor and mentor younger players. The addition of Caldwell-Pope does not guarantee an NBA Finals berth for Orlando, but it's a step in the right direction to building a stronger roster.

Last season, Orlando (47-35) finished fifth in the Eastern Conference and made the playoffs for the first time since the 2019-20 season.

Despite a first-round exit against Cleveland, the Magic are trending upward with a young core featuring 21-year-old Paolo Banchero, 22-year-old Franz Wagner, 23-year-old Jalen Suggs, 24-year-old Cole Anthony and 26-year-old Jonathan Isaac.

But Orlando needs help in several areas.

The Magic struggled to stretch the floor from three, finishing the regular season shooting 30.9 percent from deep. Another Achilles' heel for Orlando was its perimeter defense and inability to guard smaller players.

Caldwell-Pope will bring versatility on defense, floor spacing and more scoring. He finished the 2023-24 season averaging 10.1 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists and shot 40.6 percent from downtown.

Caldwell-Pope will also be an X factor for the Magic because he doesn't need plays drawn up for him and moves well without the ball. Plus, he can play off the bench or start.

Caldwell-Pope also can defend positions one through three, play the passing lanes and is vocal in calling out switches. In the playoffs, Orlando played outstanding defense ( 101.3 defensive rating ), which should only improve with the addition.

KCP's decision may be under the radar, but it should have a major impact — potentially slashing one franchise's shot at a title while enhancing another's.