Magic Trade Rumors: $42 Million Fortune Can Help Orlando Rob Warriors’ Of Klay Thompson

The Golden State Warriors have some tough decisions to make in the summer, one that could potentially reshape their dynasty. Now that the Warriors have extended Draymond Green, Stephen Curry, and even head coach Steve Kerr, the logical next step seems to be Klay Thompson’s contract extension. However, the negotiations hit a snag after the Warriors reportedly offered Thompson a two-year, $48 million contract extension, a significant pay cut from his five-year, $189 million contract he signed in 2019, set to expire next season. Thompson rejected the extension in hopes of securing a contract that reflects his value. But things haven’t gone according to plan for him.

Klay Thompson is having one of the worst seasons of his career, averaging 17.4 points, his lowest since his sophomore season, on a career-low 42.8% shooting efficiency from the field and 38.3% from the deep. The 4x NBA champion was also moved to the bench for the first time in his career before the All-Star break. Moreover, according to owner Joe Lacob, the hope this offseason is to get below the luxury tax line, a difficult task if Thompson returns on a hefty contract. With 11 players currently locked in for next season, the Warriors find themselves already over the NBA luxury tax threshold and perilously close to the punitive second tax apron. So, if the Warriors and Thompson fail to reach an agreement before this summer, the team risks losing him to eager suitors like the Orlando Magic.

According to NBA reporter Marc Stein, the Orlando Magic have been “increasingly mentioned as a potential suitor” for Klay Thompson in free agency. Currently, Orlando is $42 million under next year’s estimated salary cap of $141 million.

Additionally, they also have flexibility with Jonathan Isaac’s non-guaranteed $17.4 million and Joe Ingles’ team option of $11 million. But how does Thompson fit into the Magic’s roster?

Klay Thompson’s role on the Orlando Magic’s roster?

After years of fighting for a play-in spot, the Magic are finally in a position to make the playoffs outright, currently sitting at the fourth position in the East with an impressive 45-32 record. However, while their defense is one of the best in the league, the same cannot be said about their offense. Their offensive rating of 113.0 is ranked 23rd in the league. Their struggles are particularly evident from beyond the arc, where they rank eighth-worst in attempts and third-worst in percentage.

This is where Klay Thompson comes into the picture. While age and attrition may have caught up to him, Thompson’s sharpshooting prowess from beyond the arc could be just what the Magic need to bolster their offensive firepower.

Moreover, Orlando’s No. 3-ranked defense is built around four starters in Jalen Suggs, Franz Wagner, Paolo Banchero, and Wendell Carter Jr., who can defend multiple positions, making it easy to protect Thompson on that end of the floor. But whether Orlando can bag his services will become clear after the conclusion of this season.

Read More: $189 Million Rich Klay Thompson Suggested To Take ‘Pennies On A Dollar’ For Paul George Trade