NBA Rumors: Nuggets Want Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to Sign Contract, Avoid Free Agency

The Denver Nuggets lost multiple role players from their 2023 championship team last offseason and are reportedly determined to avoid that happening again this summer.

ESPN's Brian Windhorst reported the Nuggets want to get a new contract done with Kentavious Caldwell-Pope before the start of the free agency period.

"KCP is going to opt out. So, the question is, does he get to July 1? Denver doesn't want that to happen. Denver wants to get that done," Windhorst said on the Hoop Collective (44 minute mark).

Caldwell-Pope is due to make $15.4 million next season. It's a solid number for a 3-and-D role player, but the deal expires after the 2024-25 season. Caldwell-Pope will likely be looking for a contract with a similar annual average but more long-term security.

The Nuggets could offer him a three-year deal worth something in the $45-51 million range and get a deal done without creating too much financial havoc.

Denver undoubtedly wants to retain as many players as possible but has to be careful with Nikola Jokić, Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr. and Aaron Gordon making $144.1 million combined next season.

The Nuggets are already going to be butting up against the second luxury tax threshold without giving Caldwell-Pope a raise. If he wants anything more substantial than $15-17 million per season, Denver might have to let him walk the same way it did Bruce Brown last summer.

One of the many perils of consistent championship contention is the crunching of number around the edges. Christian Braun would be relied upon to step up in a major way if Caldwell-Pope exits this summer.