Denver Nuggets NBA Champion Could Be A Free Agent This Summer

A key Denver Nuggets player could be a free agent this summer.

Dec 25, 2022; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) talks with guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (5) and forward Aaron Gordon (50) in the fourth quarter against the Phoenix Suns at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports / Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is coming off another extremely productive year with the Denver Nuggets.

The former Georgia star finished the regular season with averages of 10.1 points, 2.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.3 steals per contest while shooting 46.0% from the field and 40.6% from the three-point range in 76 games.

May 4, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (5) shoots the ball in the second half against the Minnesota Timberwolves during game one of the second round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports / Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

This summer, Caldwell-Pope will have to decide on a $15.4 million player option which, would be the final year of his contract.

If he declines, he will be a free agent who is available to sign with any team in the NBA.

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to @katywinge (and Ball Arena) after today's win: "Nuggets for life."

Caldwell-Pope has a $15.4 million player option this offseason. pic.twitter.com/Zr5LzkKxFF

— Harrison Wind (@HarrisonWind) April 1, 2024

Considering Caldwell-Pope has been a fantastic role player next to Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, his decision will be a significant factor in Denver's offseason.

In 2023 (his first year with the team), he helped the Nuggets win the NBA Championship over Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat.

Jun 12, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; (Editors Notes: Caption Correction) Denver Nuggets guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (5) celebrates after winning 2023 NBA Championship against the Miami Heat at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports / Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

The Nuggets are coming off another fantastic regular season where they were the second seed in the Western Conference with a 57-25 record.

They beat the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round of the NBA playoffs, but lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second (in seven games).

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope played an integral part of the Nuggets' championship 🏆

He opens up on his quest to ring No. 2 in the newest episode of 'Bring it Home' only in the NBA App!

📲: https://t.co/9VOyUeTOEs pic.twitter.com/MkXZ9y8RUx

— NBA (@NBA) October 22, 2023

Caldwell-Pope (31) was the eighth pick in the 2013 NBA Draft and has played 11 seasons for the Detroit Pistons, Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Lakers and Denver Nuggets.

The two-time NBA Champion has career averages of 11.4 points, 3.0 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.1 steals per contest while shooting 42.7% from the field and 36.9% from the three-point range in 835 games.