The Orlando Magic have entered the scene as a rumored landing spot for Klay Thompson once he hits the free agency market this offseason.
The Magic, currently fighting for a playoff spot behind a crop of talented young players led by Rookie of the Year Paolo Banchero, can improve their lineup next season as they are projected to have $45 million in cap space this summer.
According to veteran NBA writer Marc Stein, Thompson’s name surfaces as a hot target for the Magic if the sweet-shooting veteran tests the free-agency market this offseason.
The five-time NBA All-Star is having the worst season of his career, shooting 37 percent behind the three-point line and 42 percent from the field.
Thompson still averages 16.8 points per contest this year. However, the Warriors opted to relegate him to the bench to give their second unit a much-needed scoring punch and free up minutes for rising star Jonathan Kuminga.
The Orlando Magic have been increasingly mentioned as a potential suitor for Klay Thompson in free agency
(Via @TheSteinLine) pic.twitter.com/TPMgAWvgvv
— Dime Alerts (@dimealerts) February 20, 2024
ESPN reported Thompson felt frustrated after learning of his demotion to a reserve role, even yelling at several Warriors’ coaching staffs.
Many analysts believe this development further strained Thompson’s relationship with the team he has played for since his rookie year and helped win four championships.
Sam Amick of the Athletics shed some light on the Thompson-Warriors dynamics following a futile contact negotiation last summer.
“But it’s clear their relationship has suffered some strain along the way, with league sources indicating that Thompson has received no assurances from on high that his hopes of retiring happily in a Warriors jersey someday will be a shared priority this summer. Both sides, it seems clear, have no clarity about what might happen when that time rolls around.” Amick writes in his piece.
The 34-year-old Thompson might be in a shooting funk this year, but a breath of fresh air could certainly help him revive his career.
The Orlando Magic have expressed interest in signing Klay Thompson when free agency hits.
(H/T @ShamsCharania) pic.twitter.com/unMCt1Q7fH
— Oscar Creed (@themagicreport) February 17, 2024
The Magic is positioning itself as an attractive destination for Thompson since the team boasts a roster full of talented young stars like Banchero, Franz Wagner, Jalen Suggs, and Cole Anthony. Thompson could slide in and assume the role as the team’s vocal leader with championship pedigree, apart from being a nice complementary to Banchero’s emerging game as a bona fide superstar.
