Grizzlies Facing Decision After Kentavious Caldwell-Pope Update

Caldwell-Pope arrived from the Orlando Magic last summer as part of the Desmond Bane trade, but his first season in Memphis never quite found rhythm. He appeared in 51 games before undergoing surgery in February to correct a misalignment in his right pinky finger, ending his campaign early.

Even before the injury, his production had dipped. The 33-year-old averaged just 8.4 points, his lowest since his rookie season, along with 2.7 assists and 2.5 rebounds in 21.3 minutes per game, while shooting 41% from the field and 31.6% from three-point range.

That decline is what complicates matters for the front office. As reported by Michael Scotto, Caldwell-Pope is expected to pick up his third-year player option, which would make him the second-highest-paid player on the roster behind Ja Morant's $42.1 million salary. For a team already struggling, that is a significant investment in a role player whose impact is trending downward.

This stands in contrast to Caldwell-Pope’s earlier reputation. A proven three-and-D contributor, he played key roles in championship runs with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020 and the Denver Nuggets in 2023. Yet over the past two seasons, his three-point shooting has slipped to 33.3% after previously averaging 38.9%over the previous seven seasons.

At the same time, the broader context in Memphis only adds to the uncertainty. The Grizzlies have endured a disappointing 2025–26 season, sitting 11th in the Western Conference at 25–51. With ongoing speculation surrounding Morant’s future, the franchise appears to be approaching a potential reset.

If that direction holds, Caldwell-Pope’s situation becomes clearer. Teams in transition often look to move experienced veterans on expiring deals, especially those with a championship pedigree, to contenders seeking depth.

For now, Memphis has time to evaluate its options before the offseason. But the combination of Caldwell-Pope’s salary and declining production suggests that, even if he stays for now, his long-term future with the Grizzlies remains uncertain.

As he heads into his 14th NBA season, the question may not be whether Caldwell-Pope stays, but whether Memphis ultimately decides he fits into what comes next, and if not, which contender could benefit from his experience.