Klay Thompson could be headed into free agency this summer after not extending his contract with the Warriors earlier this season. While Klay has had a tough season, it seems cap space teams could take a run at him in the summer, with the Orlando Magic reportedly interested, according to Marc Stein.
“Orlando has been increasingly mentioned as a potential suitor for Klay Thompson in free agency. The Magic’s available cap space is difficult to project this far out. That figure could rise as high as $45 million but depends on their future plans with free agents-to-be Markelle Fultz and Gary Harris as well as Jonathan Isaac (whose $17.4 million salary next season is non-guaranteed).”
Thompson is averaging 17.3 points on 42.1% from the field and 37.3% from three in one of his worst seasons with the Warriors. The team is currently the 10th seed in the West with many blaming Klay for this struggle because he’s failed to be a reliable No. 2 option behind Stephen Curry all season long.
If Thompson were to go to Orlando, he would likely not be the secondary option, as Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner would continue leading the team. Thompson would be a fantastic veteran sharpshooter for a team that has struggled with spacing the floor and is extremely young.
Would Klay Thompson Fit On The Magic?
Most people assume Klay will be a lifelong Warrior. Even though he turned down a reported two-year, $48 million extension from the franchise, it likely was a negotiating ploy from the four-time champion. He bet on himself to earn more than that by the summer, a plan that has partially backfired. But Klay brings enough value to attract similar offer sheets from other franchises which could force Golden State into paying him what he wants.
If this isn’t a negotiation ploy and there is a chance that Klay will wear a Magic uniform next season, it would be a good move for both parties. The Magic could offer Klay an inflated two-year deal, similar to what the Rockets gave Fred VanVleet to fill their cap before their young stars start coming in line for major extensions.
The Magic are the worst three-point shooting team in the NBA this season, sitting last in overall makes. The team lacks point guard play and players that can reliably stretch the floor, which has led to their hot start to the season petering out. They’ll make a Play-In appearance this season, but they won’t be a playoff threat until they add some veteran sharpshooters. Klay is perfect for that role.
Acquiring Klay likely leads to the Magic trusting Jalen Suggs to be their point guard and form a backcourt with Klay. Wagner and Banchero will be frontcourt options for a long time, with the team also protecting Wendell Carter Jr. from trade talks over the winter.
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