In what is probably the least surprising news Grizzlies fans will get all offseason, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope just picked up his $21.6 million player option for next season. This was a no-brainer for Caldwell-Pope, as he would've made significantly less had he declined his option and tested free agency. However, the Grizzlies have another possible trade piece despite him opting in for next year.
Last summer, the Grizzlies traded Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic for four first-round picks and a pick swap alongside players Cole Anthony and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. While the main purpose of the deal was to create additional flexibility, Caldwell-Pope is a longtime veteran who has championship experience.
Unfortunately, since signing a three-year $66 million deal with the Orlando Magic in the 2024 offseason, Caldwell-Pope has shown significant signs of decline and was eventually benched in favor of Cedric Coward last season. It will be interesting to monitor Caldwell-Pope's status, but the Grizzlies have another tradable contract to work with this offseason.
Between the 2026 NBA Draft and an intriguing mix of future picks and tradable contracts, the Grizzlies are in a unique situation to significantly upgrade the roster early in their rebuild.
Memphis Grizzlies guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is exercising his $21.6 million player option for the 2026-27 season, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/i4sBO1pyET
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 19, 2026
Caldwell-Pope could still be on the move despite picking up his option
Whether it is the trade exception, current and future draft picks, or an expiring contract such as Kentavious Caldwell-Pope's, the Grizzlies have significant flexibility for how they want to approach the offseason. Despite the Grizzlies having multiple young forwards that could still use proven leadership around them, Caldwell-Pope could be on the move this summer or by the trade deadline.
Even though Ja Morant's future is one of the biggest talking points this summer in Memphis, Caldwell-Pope is still one of the current projected highest earners on the Grizzlies for next season now that he picked up his player option. With his role diminishing in the rotation and the fact that he has an expiring deal, there is plenty of logic towards including him in trade talks.
On the flip side, there still wouldn't be any harm to Caldwell-Pope being a Grizzly on opening night, given that the team is pivoting towards a new core. Caldwell-Pope is showing decline as a shooter but could give the team more defense and an occasional offensive spark off the bench.
Despite the positives of keeping him on the roster, the Grizzlies are likely better off including Caldwell-Pope in trade talks. That could be a more significant trade that includes players and draft capital, or he could be part of a separate deal that could allow the Grizzlies to get more picks or players.
While today's news was expected amongst the fanbase, this is the first move for a Grizzlies team that could be one of the busiest in the league this offseason. Caldwell-Pope could still remain a Grizzly on opening night, but his name is worth keeping an eye on in a trade this summer.
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