NBA Notes: Grizzlies, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Timberwolves, Naz Reid, Pistons

Grizzlies

Grizzlies guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is expected to exercise his $21.6 million player option for the 2026-27 season, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.

The option represents the final year of his three-year, $66 million contract. Caldwell-Pope, 33, dealt with an abbreviated season after undergoing surgery in February to address a misalignment in his right pinky finger.

Acquired from Orlando in last summer’s deal involving Desmond Bane, Caldwell-Pope appeared in 51 games, averaging 8.4 points, 2.7 assists and 2.5 rebounds in 21.3 minutes per contest while shooting .410/.316/.913.

His $21.6 million salary for next season trails only Ja Morant on Memphis’ roster.

A longtime three-and-D contributor and two-time champion, Caldwell-Pope has seen his production decline in recent seasons, particularly from three-point range.

Timberwolves

Despite Thursday’s loss in Detroit, Timberwolves big man Naz Reid showed signs of emerging from a recent slump, per Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic.

Reid recorded 16 points and six rebounds in 31 minutes, shooting 4-of-9 from three-point range.

“I’m dealing with some injuries and just trying to make things happen,” Reid said. “Just trying to compete at a high level and do what I can do.”

The 2024 Sixth Man of the Year had struggled entering the game, shooting 21% from beyond the arc over his previous 14 contests. Krawczynski notes Reid appeared disengaged earlier in the week before finding a rhythm late against Dallas that carried over.

“I thought he was really good defensively and active on the glass,” coach Chris Finch said. “As it is, then he started making shots.”

Pistons

The Pistons moved closer to securing the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference with Thursday’s win over Minnesota while also improving their draft outlook, according to Keith Langlois of NBA.com.

As part of a February three-team deal that brought Kevin Huerter to Detroit, the Pistons hold the right to swap first-round picks with the Timberwolves.

With two recent wins over Minnesota, Detroit would currently move up from No. 28 to No. 21 in the draft order.