Report: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope Declines $15M Nuggets Contract Option Before NBA FA

After serving in a key role for the Denver Nuggets for the past two seasons, veteran shooting guard Kenatvious Caldwell-Pope will be a free agent.

According to Shams Charania and Tony Jones of The Athletic, Caldwell-Pope declined the $15.4 million option on his contract for the 2024-25 season on Thursday.

The Nuggets originally acquired Caldwell-Pope prior to the 2022-23 season as part of a four-player trade with the Washington Wizards. Denver signed him to a two-year, $30.1 million extension upon acquiring him, and he had until the June 29 deadline to make a decision on the option for the final year of the deal.

Michael Scotto of HoopsHype reported on June 15 that there was "concern" that Pope would decline his option, and he ultimately chose to test the open market.

Caldwell-Pope brought his steady contributions on both ends of the floor to the Nuggets and started every game he played during their run to the 2023 NBA championship, which was the first in franchise history and his second career championship ring.

This past season, Caldwell-Pope once again started all 76 of his regular-season appearances and averaged 10.1 points, 2.4 rebounds and 2.4 assists. He helped Denver reach the Western Conference semifinals, where they lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves in seven games, falling short of their goal of repeating as champion.

Caldwell-Pope began his career as the No. 8 pick in the 2013 draft by the Detroit Pistons. He also played four seasons for the Los Angeles Lakers from 2017 to 2021, helping the team win the 2020 NBA title.

Caldwell-Pope is sure to have his fair share of suitors as he tests free agency. His two-way production on the wing and veteran presence in the locker room would be welcome additions to most teams, and he will surely be motivated to chase another title next season.