According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Orlando Magic have surfaced as a potential destination for Golden State Warriors five-time All-Star Klay Thompson this offseason.

“Something to remember: Orlando has emerged as a potential free agent suitor for Thompson.

The Magic’s available cap space is impossible to forecast this far ahead. That sum might climb to $45 million, depending on their future plans with incoming free agents Markelle Fultz and Gary Harris, as well as Jonathan Isaac (whose $17.4 million salary next season is not guaranteed),” Stein reported in his February 20 substack newsletter.

The Magic, a growing Eastern Conference team, is looking for senior leadership and outside shooting to compliment their youthful talents, Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. The 30-25 Magic are now last in the league in 3-pointers made, averaging just 10.9 per game while ranking 29th in 3-point accuracy (31.3%).

“This is a guy, Klay Thompson, a four-time champion, an All-NBA, All-Star-caliber player, now coming off the bench,” Charania remarked on the “Pat McAfee Show” on February 16. “That is an adjustment. You consider his contract condition. Think about the team as a whole; they’re currently 500.

“I believe he’s gone through it at various periods. I believe he is doing his best to get through it. He is set to become a free agent at the end of the season. I anticipate that he will test the market. Klay Thompson is expected to be of interest to both Florida and Los Angeles teams, as well as a few East Coast teams. As of now, unless there is a miraculous extension, he intends to test the market.”

Klay Thompson Gets Inspiration From Manu Ginobili

Thompson accepted his new role, gaining inspiration from Argentinian Hall of Fame guard Manu Ginobili, who won four titles as the San Antonio Spurs’ sixth man.

“I thought about [former Spurs great] Manu Ginobili,” Thompson said to reporters after hitting a season-high 35 points off the bench in the Warriors’ 140-137 victory over the Utah Jazz on February 15.

“That guy had four rings and a gold medal, and he came off the bench his entire career, so I don’t think anyone doubts his Hall of Fame candidature. “He’s one of the greatest.”

Thompson came off the bench for the first time in 12 years and scored a season-high 35 points.

NBA Executive: ‘It Only Takes One Team.’

An Eastern Conference general manager warned Thompson about a nasty awakening in the open market this summer. However, he feels that it will only take one organisation to trust in him and that this season is an exception and not representative of the rest of his career.

“Look, it only takes one team to consider making a big offer and making the player happy,” the executive told Heavy Sports’ Sean Deveney. “That was like Kyle Lowry and the Heat—they paid him $85 million (over three years), which no one else would give him. However, it only takes one. That’s what Klay is searching for: one team that values his expertise and believes he can still be the old Klay Thompson.

“But, honestly, he is still a good shot, and some of the other things is more about reputation than fact. He is no longer the dominant defensive player he was ten years ago. He doesn’t get out of slumps as rapidly as he formerly did. Transition is an excellent example; the entire team was deadly in transition. But they’re older now, and he doesn’t generate as much off the break as he used to.”

Thompson and the Warriors did not reach an agreement on a contract extension this summer. He decided to bet on himself. However, his inconsistent play and dwindling role are lowering his value.