Kofi Inkoom
Shooting guard Caldwell-Pope is departing from the Denver Nuggets and joining the Orlando Magic on a contract that spans three years, reports Jeff Ziligitt of USA-sports.
Magic were reportedly interested in acquiring the swingman alongside other rival teams, as reported by Tim Kawakami of The Athletic.
“The Magic, Bulls, and Dallas Mavericks will also go after the two-time NBA champion. The Nuggets reportedly declined to do a sign-and-trade with the Mavs for the shooting guard.”
Caldwell-Pope is joining a young and talented Magic team that recently made its first playoff appearance in four years. He’s expected to start alongside Jalen Suggs in the backcourt, bringing much-needed three-point shooting skills to a team that struggled in that area.
The Magic ranked 29th in the NBA for three-point attempts and 24th in percentage last season. Caldwell-Pope has a career three-point shooting average of 36.9% and shot 40.6% from long range this past year.
While Caldwell-Pope’s addition is significant for the Magic, it likely means they won’t pursue Paul George anymore.
Orlando was one of three teams George planned to meet with, but they now have only $31.8 million in cap room left.
This amount is much less than what George is seeking in his next contract. The signing also dashes the Sixers’ hopes of adding both George and Caldwell-Pope to their revamped roster.