The Memphis Grizzlies and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope appear to be a perfect match on paper, and that is what the organization is hoping for. Caldwell-Pope is a veteran, championship-experienced player who excels in his 3-and-D role, which is exactly what the team needs in the backcourt with Ja Morant.
Becoming a more modern-built NBA team was on the Grizzlies' agenda this offseason, and pairing Morant with a guard who can take on tough defensive assignments fits the team. However, KCP's name has been a topic of discussion for how the Grizzlies view him as part of their core with two years remaining on his contract.
While his contract is an intriguing value to utilize on the trade market for their next big move, the rest of the league should pause on those expectations.
Don't expect a KCP trade
One of the Grizzlies' biggest issues over the last couple of seasons has been not having reliable veteran players in the locker room and on the court. During the 2023 offseason, the team acquired Marcus Smart and signed Derrick Rose to take on that role, but it didn't yield great results on the court due to an injury-filled season.
Rose retired ahead of last season, and Smart was traded at the 2024 NBA trade deadline, leading to a team with no veteran presence to finish last season. The veteran roles were given to their best players, but experience matters, and Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Desmond Bane still needed progress in that area.
Desmond Bane was eventually traded to the Orlando Magic this offseason for Caldwell-Pope, who had a down season last year. However, the Magic lacked the playmakers the Grizzlies have, like Ja Morant and newly signed guard Ty Jerome, who will create the space and opportunities for KCP to shine in his role.
Upcoming second-year wing Jaylen Wells will likely benefit the most from KCP's presence on the roster as he figures to take over his 3-and-D role in the backcourt with Ja Morant soon. If things break right with their development of rookie wing Cedric Coward, that move might be made as soon as this season.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope will provide a lot of value for the Grizzlies this season, so don't expect the team to place him on the trading block anytime soon. Whether he starts the entire season or moves to a role off the bench, his experience in high-leverage playoff moments is invaluable for a team that is trying to make it to where he has been twice in his career.