If the Memphis Grizzlies do move forward with a potential Kentavious Caldwell-Pope trade or buyout (or trade and buyout), this is one of those surprising opportunities that could give the Miami Heat exactly what they need in support of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo.
According to NBA insider Chris Haynes, this is a potential move that may be in the works between the Grizzlies and KCP. If indeed KCP does hit the free-agent market via a buyout, the Heat would be a team that would make sense as his next landing spot.
KCP could give Heat another shooter they need next to Giannis and Bam, while adding another veteran wing to their depth. Considering the Heat don't have a ton of money to play with after the moves they've already made this summer, getting KCP on the cheap could be a true lifeline that this supporting cast needs.
KCP could give the Heat some unexpected shooting next to Giannis and Bam
If the Heat is going to successfully build a quick contender around Giannis and Bam this season, they're going to need to fall into some luck along the way. That equates to a veteran player or two that the Heat could add cheaply.
KCP could certainly fall into that group under this scenario. Even though he didn't have his most efficient statistical season this past year in Memphis, there's reason to believe that KCP could have an awakening in Miami next to Giannis and Bam
After all, the last time that KCP was on a contender (with the Denver Nuggets in 2024), he shot 41 percent from 3-point range while averaging 10 points per game. If he can be that type of threat on the perimeter with the Heat, he'd certainly give them another worthy rotation piece that could help make this first-year build around Giannis get off the floor.
But for this to even be a possibility, KCP would have to get bought out first. And then the Heat would have to put on the full-court press in the way of recruiting. Giannis and Bam would be enticing for KCP, but I'm sure there would be other offers from contenders that the Heat would have to bid against.
Even if there's a small chance that KCP could find his way to the Heat this summer, that's an intriguing possibility.
Over the next week, we will certainly get more clarity on what this Heat team will look like in their first year with Giannis. If things do fall into place, there's an outside chance the supporting cast could also include KCP, and that would be a huge development for a Heat team that desperately needs more depth and shooting.
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