During the 2025 offseason, the Orlando Magic were looking to unload a hefty Kentavious Caldwell-Pope contract that was proving to be worth well short of its value. The Los Angeles Lakers, who had multiple expiring contracts to give, could have made a run at their former champion.
The fit made sense too. Even after a disappointing shooting campaign with the Magic in 2024-25, KCP still had the benefit of the doubt on that end. Orlando was asking him to create his own shot too often instead of being a straightforward catch-and-shoot specialist. Naturally his efficiency would be down as a result.
Before the Lakers could even really consider throwing themselves into the mix, the Magic found a trade partner for Caldwell-Pope. They sent him to the Memphis Grizzlies as a part of the package that brought Desmond Bane to Orlando.
After a slow start with the Magic, Bane is really starting to turn the corner with his new team. Caldwell-Pope, meanwhile, continues to struggle in Memphis. The Grizzlies wing hasn't been able to rediscover his touch from beyond the arc after the change of environment.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope's shooting has not repaired itself in Memphis
In defense of Caldwell-Pope, the Grizzlies have not offered a kinder situation for offense to thrive than the Magic did last season. Memphis ranks 25th in the NBA when it comes to offensive rating, posting a disappointing mark of 111.5 in the early parts of 2025-26.
Ja Morant's struggles on the court, and his inability to stay healthy, have not allowed Caldwell-Pope to have the type of creator he needs to feed off of. Even after making all the excuses that one can find, whatever way you slice it, the production has been a letdown.
Caldwell-Pope is averaging just 7.4 points per game, shooting 36.5 percent from the field and 32.0 percent from deep, in 2025-26. The Grizzlies veteran is posting the second worst true shooting percentage (49.8) of his NBA career.
Caldwell-Pope has also registered the worst defensive rating per 100 possessions of his professional career. The two calling cards of what made him an elite role player are both looking mightily brutal.
This is all happening for a $21.6 million salary in 2025-26. Even after the season is over, Caldwell-Pope has a player option for 2026-27 for the exact same figure.
Perhaps this is all just situational, to some degree. Caldwell-Pope may have just gotten the short end of the stick with his last two teams.
The former two-time champion could be a buy-low candidate for a team desperate enough to take a chance on him rekindling his spark. With every passing day, that gamble looks like less and less of a sure bet.