Magic A Potential Suitor Of Warriors’ Klay Thompson

The Orlando Magic could be a team to watch should Golden State not re-sign Klay Thompson in free agency this summer, per Marc Stein of The Stein Line.

That said, Stein indicated he expects that the Warriors and Thompson will eventually reach agreement on a new contract. But if not, the Magic could be among those in pursuit of the veteran shooting guard and four-time champion.

“Something to file away: Orlando has been increasingly mentioned as a potential suitor for Thompson in free agency,” Stein wrote. 

“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).”

Most agree with Stein — that Thompson is highly likely to remain with Golden State. But this is the NBA, almost nothing is ever for certain.

Thompson has spent his entire career with the Warriors. Along with winning four titles, he has made five All-Star teams, two All-NBA teams and one All-Defensive team. 

The Warriors signed Thompson to a five-year, $189 million contract in July 2019. He is making $43.2 million this season. 

A future Hall of Famer, Thompson is averaging 17.3 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.2 assists this season while shooting 42.1% from the field, 37.3% from beyond the arc and 91.8% from the free-throw line. He came off the bench on February 15 against the Utah Jazz for the first time since 2012. 

“I thought about Manu Ginobili,” Thompson said after the Warriors beat the Jazz. “That guy has four rings and a gold medal and he came off the bench his whole career. And I don’t think anyone looks down on his Hall of Fame candidacy because he’s one of the greats. I embraced it before tip.”

Thompson put up 35 points in 28 minutes versus the Utah Jazz while shooting 13-of-22 from the field and 7-of-13 from beyond the arc. The Warriors won, improving their record to 27-26.

One of the greatest shooters in NBA history, Thompson has career averages of 19.6 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.3 assists with the Warriors. 

He also has been linked to the Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers and Miami Heat.

Ashish Mathur contributed to this report.