Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson. Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports

Eastern Conference team 'increasingly mentioned' as potential Klay Thompson suitor

By Adam Taylor | Last updated 2/20/24

Klay Thompson's contract is set to expire at the end of the season and the veteran sharpshooter will become an unrestricted free agent. Thompson has been unable to agree on terms of a contract extension with the Golden State Warriors.

In his latest SteinLine Newsletter, long-time NBA writer Marc Stein shared his belief Thompson will eventually re-up with Golden State. However, he also noted that the Orlando Magic are emerging as a real potential suitor for Thompson, should he hit free agency.

"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)."

Thompson has endured a difficult season thus far. His production has been inconsistent on both sides of the floor. He recently got moved to Golden State's bench unit. He scored 35 points as the Warriors' sixth man.

For Orlando, adding Thompson would be a huge statement of intent. The rapid growth of Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner has seen them become a thorn in the side of the Eastern Conference's top teams. At their best, the Magic can go toe-to-toe with some of the best teams in the NBA. Adding Thompson would elevate the Magic's locker room and he would bring incredible championship experience to the young team.

Nevertheless, Stein's gut instinct will likely prove correct. Stephen Curry has made his desire for the Warriors' core trio to remain together very clear. Thompson has also discussed his preference for remaining in the Bay Area. As such, there's a high likelihood a deal is made before or at the start of free agency. The more teams like Orlando begin to kick the tires on Thompson's willingness to leave Golden State, the quicker the front office will likely move to get a deal in place.

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