Magic News: Klay Thompson’s Free Agency Heats Up with Orlando, Days After Paolo Banchero IG Drama

Klay Thompson has left the internet buzzing with his recent activity on social media. While his future in the Bay Area remains in question, Klay unfollowed the Warriors on Instagram and removed most of the team-related posts from his account. Moreover, what caught people’s attention was that he also followed Orlando Magic superstar Paolo Banchero. This suspicious activity has caused a stir in the NBA World, with many believing that Klay might finally part ways with the Warriors and take his talents to Orlando this summer.

As Klay heads into free agency, Forbes Sports’ Evan Sidery reported that the Orlando Magic are now co-favorites with the Warriors to sign the five-time All-Star. With odds tied at +130, Vegas seems to have bought the buzz about Klay joining forces with Banchero after he followed him on IG.

Moreover, the Magic can open up to $66 million in cap space, which will give them the ability to offer Klay a better deal than the Warriors. Coming off a $43.2 million annual salary from his previous contract, Klay’s market value has dropped significantly this summer because of his disappointing performance during the regular season. So, the Magic might not have to offer too much to lure him to switch teams.

Meanwhile, NBA Insiders Anthony Slater and Shams Charania revealed that Klay moving to Orlando is a real possibility, “For the first time in Thompson’s career, he has shown an appetite to explore external options… There remains mutual interest between Thompson and the Orlando Magic, according to league sources.”

Does Klay Thompson fit with the Orlando Magic?

Finishing as the fifth seed and ending their three-year playoff drought, Orlando Magic showed that they were heading in the right direction. With several young stars like Paolo, Suggs, and Wagner having breakout performances this year, it looks like the Magic are missing only a few pieces before they take the next big leap. Klay Thompson’s veteran presence and championship experience could exactly be what they need.

Their three-point shooting has been one of their biggest weaknesses. Among the bottom ten teams in the league in three-point percentage, the Magic desperately need good shooters on their squad. And while Klay had one of his career’s worst seasons this year, averaging only 17.9 points, he is still a better shooter than most in the league. At his worst, Klay still shot nearly 39% from beyond the arc, which was only the second time in his career that he shot less than forty percent from that range.

Paolo Banchero and Co. could benefit a lot from having Klay in their squad. Meanwhile, Klay might also be able to revive his career in Orlando as there will be less pressure and responsibility on his shoulders than in the Golden State. Do you think Klay should join the Magic?

Before you go, do not forget to check out what Shaquille O’Neal’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, has to say about Caitlin Clark’s meteoric rise to stardom. Keep checking this space for more such updates.