After establishing himself as a key player heading into next season, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is expected to decline his $8.5 million player option, sources said. There’s significant mutual interest between Caldwell-Pope and the Lakers, but there will be some external suitors.

A team such as Atlanta — searching for productive veterans around All-Star Trae Young — could emerge with interest. The Lakers have full Bird Rights on Caldwell-Pope, meaning they can sign him for any salary up to his max without having to use a different exception.

Source: Shams Charania of The Athletic 

ANALYSIS: During the regular season, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope averaged 9.3 points, 2.1 rebounds, 1.3 threes while shooting 46.7 percent from the field and 38.5 percent from three-point range. In the NBA Finals, he contributed 12.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2.2 threes, 2.0 assists and 1.0 steals, but he shot just 37.7 percent from the field and 30.2 percent from three-point range. The 27-year-old had some strong games, but he continues to be hot and cold.