LeBron James Makes Historic Return to Philly with KCP by His Side
After LeBron James signed with the Philadelphia 76ers, it was inevitable that some of his former teammates would get the call. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is the first player to get that call, as he is set to sign with the 76ers after all the paperwork is finished with him and the Johni Broome trade with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The reunion between James and Caldwell-Pope, who won a title together with the 2020 Los Angeles Lakers, is significant. James has consistently surrounded himself with good shooters throughout his career, a system that has worked out for him four different times as a four-time Finals MVP. Caldwell-Pope's familiarity with James could be a factor in his signing.
Caldwell-Pope has not been the same player who won the championship with the Denver Nuggets in 2023. However, he is still a rock-solid player, which is why he is a massive signing for the 76ers when he clears waivers.
"I just want to get back to playing meaningful basketball," Caldwell-Pope said on his The Dawg Talk podcast with Jordan McGruder. "Like playing for something like you saying for another championship. I say that area again, that spotlight, you know, the playoffs, man. Ain’t nothing like it, man. And in the competition, like the competitiveness, just I want it. I still got a lot of years in me that I can still go."
Caldwell-Pope's signing is a significant move for the 76ers, who are looking to build a competitive team around James. He will likely come off the bench to replace quite possibly the best starting lineup of today's NBA.
The reunion between James and Caldwell-Pope is just the beginning of a new era for the 76ers. With the Johni Broome trade with the Cleveland Cavaliers still pending, the team is expected to make more moves in the coming days.
Source: Yahoo Sports