Klay Thompson is set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer, and there is at least one team aside from the Golden State Warriors that the veteran sharpshooter would reportedly be open to joining.
Shams Charania of The Athletic reported on FanDuel TV’s “Run it Back” Monday that there is “mutual interest” between Thompson and the Orlando Magic. Charania said Thompson and other free agents view the Magic as being close to contention if the team can put the right pieces in place.
“I’m told there is mutual interest between the Magic and Klay Thompson,” Charania said. “Thompson, along with several other vets around the league, are looking at the Magic as a situation where if you plug in a guy like Klay Thompson, you plug in another veteran player whether it be at the point guard position or shooting guard position, this team can make a real jump around Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner.”
The Magic finished fifth in the Eastern Conference this season with a record of 47-35. They lost their first-round playoff series against the Cleveland Cavaliers in seven games.
The postseason appearance was their first in the last four years, so they seem to be trending in the right direction.
Many expect Thompson to return to Golden State, but there should be plenty of interest in him around the league. A rival team might even be waiting to swoop in if the Warriors decide it is time to break up their championship core group of Thompson, Stephen Curry and Draymond Green.
Thompson averaged 17.9 points per game this season and struggled with his shot. He made 43.2% of his field goals, including 38.7% on threes.
He failed to score in the team’s play-in loss to the Kings last month. That may not be the way the 34-year-old wants to end his Warriors career.
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