Denver Nuggets Could Reportedly Lose NBA Champion In Free Agency

According to Michel Scotto of HoopsHype, the Nuggets could lose one of their best players.

Jun 12, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (5) talks to teammates before game five of the 2023 NBA Finals against the Miami Heat at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports / Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is coming off another productive year for the Denver Nuggets.

The former UGA star finished the regular season with averages of 10.1 points, 2.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.3 steals per contest while shooting 46.0% from the field and 40.6% from the three-point range in 76 games.

This month, Caldwell-Pope has to decide on a $15.4 million player option in his contract for the 2024-25 season.

If he declines, he will be a free agent who is available to sign with any team in the league.

Jun 12, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; (Editors Notes: Caption Correction) Denver Nuggets guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (5) celebrates after winning 2023 NBA Championship against the Miami Heat at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports / Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

On Saturday, Michel Scotto of HoopsHype reported intel on Caldwell-Pope's uncertain future.

Via Scotto's article on HoopsHype: "Heading into free agency, there’s also concern that guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope could decline his $15.44 million player option, enter unrestricted free agency, and land a potential short-term offer for a higher salary annually comparable to Bruce Brown’s previous two-year, $45 million deal with Indiana."

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— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) June 15, 2024

Evan Sidery noted similar speculation last month.

Via Sidery on May 24: "Kentavious Caldwell-Pope could earn around $20 million annually as an unrestricted free agent.

Caldwell-Pope’s championship experience will be coveted by contenders, but also teams looking to take the next step towards playoff contention.

Keep an eye on the Sixers, Spurs and Magic as potential suitors for KCP.

The Nuggets would like to re-sign Caldwell-Pope, but their tax bill projected into the second apron could force their hand."

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope could earn around $20 million annually as an unrestricted free agent.

Caldwell-Pope’s championship experience will be coveted by contenders, but also teams looking to take the next step towards playoff contention.

Keep an eye on the Sixers, Spurs and… pic.twitter.com/PL5L0oj2T3

— Evan Sidery (@esidery) May 25, 2024

Caldwell-Pope has never been an All-Star, but he has turned himself into one of the most productive role players in the league.

He played a major role in Denver winning the 2023 NBA Championship over Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat.

May 10, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Christian Braun (0) and Denver Nuggets guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (5) react to a call on the court against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first half during game three of the second round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports / Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

The two-time NBA Champion has played for the Detroit Pistons, Los Angeles Lakers, Washington Wizards (and Denver Nuggets) over 11 seasons in the league.

His career averages are 11.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.1 steals per contest while shooting 42.7% from the field and 36.9% from the three-point range.

Mar 13, 2024; Miami, Florida, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (5) steals the ball from Miami Heat forward Duncan Robinson (55) during the first half at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports / Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports

As for the Nuggets, they are coming off a season where they lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 7 of the second round.