Klay Thompson will turn out to be an unrestricted free agent on the finish of the season. The veteran sharpshooter is but to agree phrases on a contract extension with the Golden State Warriors.
In line with The Athletic’s Tim Kawakami, the Orlando Magic are rising as potential suitors to accumulate the four-time champion.
“One of many worst-kept secrets and techniques within the league is that Orlando, loaded with younger expertise however not with shooters, would possibly supply Klay a ton of cash subsequent summer season,” Kawakami reported. “In the meantime, Joe Lacob has stated the Warriors need to get all the best way out of the posh tax subsequent summer season, which is feasible, however provided that they’re very disciplined about how a lot they’re keen to pay to maintain Klay (and/or CP3). Put bluntly, Klay is the one one of many huge three who would possibly find yourself extra worthwhile to a different workforce than what the Warriors need to pay him.”
Thompson has had an inconsistent season for the Warriors. Coach Steve Kerr moved the veteran to his bench rotation for the primary time in his profession.
Nevertheless, since Kerr made that call, Thompson has been enjoying his finest basketball of the season. He’s nonetheless top-of-the-line three-and-d wings within the NBA when motivated.
The Magic want expertise. They’re overachieving attributable to their roster’s distinctive younger expertise and can get their first style of postseason basketball within the coming weeks.
However, Thompson would immediately turn out to be the chief of Orlando’s locker room. He would assist develop the youthful stars whereas additionally enjoying a outstanding function as a flooring spacer. His gravity would open up driving lanes for Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner.
Thompson has been vocal about his want to retire in the Bay Area. He desires to finish his profession as a one-team participant. Nevertheless, if the Magic are keen to overpay to get their man, and Thompson desires a major function on a workforce, now could be the proper time for him to money in and expertise one thing new within the closing years of his profession.
