Ex-Champ Faces Unfortunate Fate as NBA Rule Ties Nikola Jokic & Nuggets’ Hands Amid Kentavious Caldwell-Pope Retention Woes

Despite securing their first championship title back in 2023, Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets were unsuccessful in replicating their feat for a second consecutive time. Due to this, the ongoing off-season will now be spent on strengthening the team’s position for the future. Before acquiring new players, however, the franchise has to ensure that one of its top players, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, continues to remain within its fold. The challenge lies in navigating the NBA salary cap rules.

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, having declined an option clause that would have paid him $15.4 million next season, has opted for free agency and made himself available to several teams who can pay more. To make up some salary space and retain their key player, the Nuggets may be preparing to deliver an unfortunate fate to one of their players. By not extending Justin Holiday’s contract, the Nuggets can clear more space on their salary cap.

A few hours ago, DNVR Sports reporter Harrison Wind took to his official X account. He highlighted that there is a good chance that the Denver Nuggets will not opt to re-sign shooting guard Justin Holiday once the free agency process commences. Furthermore, he also stated that while the franchise may look to get some other player in exchange for Zeke Nnaji, no other trade proposals are expected to bear fruition soon. The main focus will be moved towards filling the two remaining roster spots through free agency.

Justin Holiday, who won the NBA championship alongside the Golden State Warriors back in 2015, was playing for the Nuggets under a 1-year, $3.196 million contract. By not extending his contract, the franchise can clear up more space on their salary cap. This would be a much-welcomed situation, given that the Nuggets are currently in a precarious position financially. According to Spotrac, the franchise has a total cap allocation amounting to $215 million promised to its top 10 players, with a major chunk of it going to Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr., and Aaron Gordon. As a result, they can only spend $8.272 million and $19.1 million to avoid going over the First Apron and Second Apron respectively. To avoid paying any additional fines.

By recently letting go of point guard Reggie Jackson, the Nuggets have already saved over $5.25 million for themselves. A possible Justin Holiday exit would also ensure that the franchise has enough money to retain Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and avoid incurring additional fines.

Is Klay Thompson a backup in case Kentavious Caldwell-Pope declines to come back?

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope’s decision to decline his player option and opt for free agency may indicate a reluctance to return to the Denver Nuggets. Despite this, the Nuggets seem to be making efforts to retain his spot on the roster. If the player chooses to go a separate way, then the Nuggets may attempt to bring in Warriors star Klay Thompson.

The shooting guard has devoted the entirety of his 13-year NBA career till now to the Warriors. Unfortunately, after having rejected a 2-year $48 million extension deal, there is a good chance that the player will head to free agency. While speculation is pushing him more towards joining the Orlando Magic, the Denver Nuggets may not be far away from Thompson’s radar.

If there was even a slight fire burning in regards to a Thompson-Nuggets partnership, more fuel was added to it after the player was spotted in Denver. In addition to this, ‘The Athletic‘ journalists Sam Amick and Anthony Slater recently reported that Thompson is a possible replacement “if the Nuggets lose free-agent-to-be Kentavious Caldwell-Pope”. In the end, it would all depend on the Warriors star’s ask in terms of salary.

Having averaged 10.1 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists during the regular season, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope’s stats may not be as impressive as Thompson’s. Therefore, going for the latter at an affordable price is something that the Nuggets wouldn’t mind considering.

Before leaving, be sure to check out some insights that Shaquille O’Neal’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, shared about the Lakers legend’s infamous feud with the late Kobe Bryant.