Los Angeles Lakers: Predicting where each Laker free agent signs

By Jason Reed | Oct 22, 2020

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 29: Frank Vogel of the Los Angeles Lakers congratulates Kentavious Caldwell-Pope #1 after hitting a three point basket against the Portland Trail Blazers during the third quarter in Game Five of the Western Conference First Round during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 29, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Ashley Landis – Pool/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope: Minnesota Timberwolves

Yes, the Minnesota Timberwolves are a team out of left field and they certainly are not one of the first teams you think about in free agency. However, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope opting out of his deal tells me one thing: he is looking to get paid.

KCP was set to make a decent amount in 2020. Sure, it was only guaranteed for one year, but $8.5 million is a pretty penny for a player of his caliber. He is already on a contending team with his Klutch Sports buddies, so it is not like he is in a bad situation and wants out.

KCP wants to get paid and there are certain teams out there that have the cap space and line up perfectly to sign him to the kind of contract he wants. The Minnesota Timberwolves fit the billing perfectly.

First, they are in a position to sign free agents as they have a nice young duo in D’Angelo Russell and Karl-Anthony Towns. That is a good place to start.

However, they are far from a marquee free agency destination, so the chances of them landing any of the big stars are slim to none. Thus, they have to knock themselves down to the KCP tier.

With a fair amount of cap space and depth needed at the shooting guard position, the Timberwolves could easily offer KCP a three-year, $36 million contract without thinking twice. KCP should take that in a heartbeat.

The Lakers are not going to be able to pay KCP much more than he was already set to make and quite frankly, they shouldn’t. He hit some big shots in the playoffs but he certainly is replaceable and with AD signing an extension the team is going to have less cap space to operate with.

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