Free agent Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is leaving the Denver Nuggets and finalizing a three-year, $66 million deal with the Orlando Magic, sources told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski on Sunday.
Caldwell-Pope, 31, had been a lynchpin at both ends for the Nuggets since arriving in Denver two years ago, helping them to the 2022-23 title with his 3-point shooting and ability to guard opposing perimeter stars.
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In each of his two seasons in Denver, Caldwell-Pope — a career 36.9% 3-point shooter — has eclipsed 40% from deep while also playing in 76 games both years. As a defender, Caldwell-Pope allowed a league-best 40.6% field goal percentage as the closest defender last season, according to ESPN Stats & Information research, while frequently taking on the toughest assignment.
The Magic exceeded expectations this past season by winning 47 games, a 13-win improvement from 2022-23 and a 25-win jump from the 2021-22 season. They finished fifth in the Eastern Conference but lost to the Cavaliers in a seven-game, opening-round playoff series.
Caldwell-Pope's shooting should help Orlando make another jump in 2024-25. The Magic ranked 22nd in offensive efficiency and 24th in 3-point shooting this past regular season and were the only playoff team that ranked in the bottom 10 in shooting from 3-point range.
Orlando with KCP pic.twitter.com/EQ1y1vXfRm
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Adrian Wojnarowski