Lakers Rumors: Possible trade returns for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
By Jason Reed
The Los Angeles Lakers signed Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to a one-year, $18 million contract last offseason. Perhaps the latest Lakers rumors entail the Lakers may turn KCP into a long-term investment.
The Los Angeles Lakers signed Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to be a one-year rental at shooting guard, that is obvious. Los Angeles vastly overpaid for Caldwell-Pope, as he makes more than Warriors shooting guard Klay Thompson. Los Angeles needed depth in their backcourt, without any long-term commitments.
However, the possibility of turning Caldwell-Pope into a long-term investment certainly is there. If he proves his worth, the Lakers could bring KCP back in on a smaller, longer contract. While KCP would not be getting as much money annually, it would be something long-term that would guarantee he keeps getting paid.
Or, the Lakers can go another route in making KCP a long-term investment. Since Caldwell-Pope is a massive contract that is expiring, he is the perfect trade piece for a rebuilding team. Much like the Lakers did with Brook Lopez, a team looking to free salary could acquire Caldwell-Pope and send away their highly paid superstar.
While this may not fit the Lakers’ billing on the surface, the team may have no other option. LeBron James and Russell Westbrook are seemingly off the table, and Paul George is going to need another superstar to play alongside if he is going to join LA.
Therefore, trading KCP may be the best move for the Lakers this season. If Los Angeles can get an established star out of him, and that increases the chances of a big free agent acquisition, then why not? Therefore, here are three potential trade returns for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.