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Los Angeles Lakers: Trading Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is the right move

By Jason Reed

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 20: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope #1 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the game against the Miami Heat at Staples Center on February 20, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 20: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope #1 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the game against the Miami Heat at Staples Center on February 20, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Meg Oliphant/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

1. Trading Kentavious Caldwell-Pope makes sense financially

Prior to Windhorst’s comments, Adrian Wojnarowski said on The Woj Pod that the Lakers were potentially looking to make a move to free up salary-cap space for the upcoming offseason. With KCP being under contract for the next two seasons, he naturally becomes someone who the Lakers could look to move.

And the thought process makes sense as the Lakers have several contracts that need to be sorted out next offseason. Dennis Schroder and Alex Caruso will be unrestricted free agents, Talen Horton-Tucker will be a restricted free agent and Montrezl Harrell has a player option.

The Lakers are already committing so much of the salary cap to LeBron James and Anthony Davis and will be committing far more money to Kyle Kuzma next season because of his extension. Money does not grow on trees and if trading Kuzma leads to being able to bring back THT, Caruso and Schroder then sign me up.

The fact of the matter is that players of KCP’s nature are a dime a dozen. The team had to re-sign him in the offseason because there were no other options available as they had all been signed. The Lakers will be able to find a new KCP on the market in the offseason and will free up money by trading him for an expiring contract this season.

It is about more than just the money, though, as the Lakers also have to factor in this season as well as KCP’s role on the team.

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