Showcasing a strong start to his season, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope caught the eye of R.C. Buford as it did once before, having been a complimentary financial asset in the landmark Kawhi Leonard/Brandon Ingram deal four years ago. Caldwell-Pope had begun to show improvement after a rocky start in San Antone, before being shipped mid-season to the Suns in the trade that got the Spurs T.J. Warren, another player that is no longer with the team. Such is the nature of roster shakeups in today's league.
KCP has shot 45% from 3PT territory so far this season with the gritty OKC Thunder, and he also brings defensive talent back to the Spurs. For the Thunder, they receive a playoffs-proven talent in Joe Harris, who's had a rough start to the season and is simply not KCP on defense. Kent Bazemore was drawing a sharp eye early from team trainers, but he's come around over the last few games to edge out Harris, with Bazemore also offering more defensive upside to supplement streaky scoring swings. KCP will wear #2 with the Spurs, his old high school number with the Greenville, Georgia Patriots.
Also shipping to Oklahoma City is Thomas Bryant, who just never figured it out with the Spurs. He has a nice touch shooting the rock, but just wasn't the defensive or athletic backup center the Spurs lost when they acquired him for Jarrett Allen despite being a rim-running five. Bryant will likely shine in OKC, with more time to play without Andre Drummond towering over him in the rotation. Much like when they had to part with Allen, San Antonio is also free from the burden of 'to sign or not sign' Bryant, who will be a free agent next summer. Allen received the same treatment, with Bryant having one more "prove-it" year by comparison, but Thomas just didn't do enough to stick around. The highlight of his play this season so far was a 22 point, 10 rebound performance.
Coming with KCP is JaVale McGee, who was rendered superfluous by the acquisition of Bryant, considering that OKC has Jakob Poetl challenging for that starting center role, off to a strong season. Behind them the Thunder also has Bismack Biyombo, also an ex-Spur, with McGee's stats additionally not being anything of merit to warrant a stay in OKC. By losing Harris, the Spurs will need someone else to come through in the clutch, as Harris set a new playoff league record with 12 three-pointers last season. But as the slogan goes, if it's not working out, something's gotta give and Harris will also relish more of a playing opportunity in OKC. McGee will have a no-nonsense coach in Popovich, encouraging consistent play from the traditional center, who had a nice season with the Lakers two years ago. They basically get Jarrett Allen back, without the significant youth or upside, but also without the financial burden" and with McGee having another year on his contract for next season as well if it pans out.
