Recent rumors have emerged about Klay Thompson potentially leaving the Golden State Warriors to join the Orlando Magic in free agency this summer. Thompson‘s contract with the Warriors is set to expire, leading to speculation that he could explore his options.
The Magic have a talented young core, led by #1 overall pick Paolo Banchero, but lack shooting.
Thompson would provide them with the elite outside shooting threat they desperately need. Meanwhile, the aging Warriors may not want to commit significant money long-term to Thompson, who is coming off multiple major injuries.
The Likelihood of Thompson Leaving Golden State
After spending his entire 12-year career with Golden State, helping them win four championships, it’s hard to envision Thompson wearing another uniform. He has cemented his legacy as one of the greatest Warriors ever.
However, at 33 years old and coming off two major injuries, Thompson is nearing the end of his prime. The Warriors have to consider how much money and how many years they want to commit to him moving forward.
Golden State also has significant money tied up long-term in stars Stephen Curry and Andrew Wiggins. Thompson may need to accept a reduced role and likely a pay cut to stay.
Thompson has said he is open to accepting a lesser role to remain with the Warriors. But if another team offers him a lucrative contract and the chance to be more featured in the offense, he’d likely at least contemplate leaving.
Thompson’s Potential Contract
If Thompson does decide to test free agency, he’ll have suitors even at his advanced age. In today’s NBA, elite shooting is valued at a premium, and Thompson is one of the greatest shooters ever.
Despite his injuries, Thompson is still averaging over 17 points per game this season and shooting 43% from the field and 37% from three-point range. That’s lower than his career averages but impressive given the circumstances.
Thompson likely can still command around $25 million per year, even if he signs for less to stay with Golden State. A team like Orlando could offer something in the range of 3 years, $75 million.
The Magic have plenty of cap space and are well under the salary cap threshold. A contract like that would give Thompson one last major payday while allowing Orlando to retain flexibility moving forward.
How Thompson Would Impact Orlando’s Title Chances
In the weaker Eastern Conference, the Magic have surpassed expectations this season. With the addition of the #1 pick Banchero, they already look like a potential dangerous playoff team shortly.
Bringing in a player of Thompson‘s caliber could accelerate their rebuild. It would give them one of the better starting lineups in the East and likely have them competing for home-court advantage as soon as next season.
Projecting 2024-25 Magic Starting Lineup
A potential Orlando starting five with Thompson could look like this:
- PG: Markelle Fultz
- SG: Klay Thompson
- SF: Franz Wagner
- PF: Paolo Banchero
- C: Wendell Carter Jr.
That lineup provides the Magic with versatile scoring and playmaking in the backcourt, size, and skill at the forward spots, and rim protection at the center. The combination of youth and Thompson‘s veteran presence could make them a formidable matchup.
How Far Can They Go?
In their first year with Thompson, it’s reasonable to expect around a 4-6 seed finish for the Magic if things mesh.
Thompson joining Fultz, Wagner, Banchero, and Carter would give Orlando arguably a top-five all-around starting unit in the East.
The Magic would likely still be a tier behind the likes of the Bucks, Celtics, and 76ers. But with internal development from the young core, they could close the gap over 2-3 years.
Within Thompson‘s contract window, it’s feasible for the Magic to advance to the second round of the playoffs. And if one of Banchero or Wagner makes a mini-leap to the All-Star level, a Conference Finals appearance could even be possible by 2025-26.
The Odds Thompson Leaves Golden State
As speculated earlier, while tempting, the odds remain low that Thompson will leave the Warriors in free agency this summer. The connection there means too much, and they will likely meet his price.
The odds of Thompson signing with Orlando at +1400.
Golden State remains favored at -300 odds to re-sign him. So the public perception matches the reporting that Thompson will probably finish his career as a Warrior.
Thompson’s Free Agency Prediction
Expect Thompson to take meetings in free agency and field offers from teams like the Magic. But ultimately, look for him to return to Golden State on a 2-3 year contract worth around $20 million annually.
In the end, leaving the only team he’s ever known is tough. And the Warriors will likely offer him enough money not to walk away while keeping their dynasty window open a little longer.
The prospect of chasing more rings and finishing what he started with Curry will prove too difficult for Thompson to pass up.
Sources:
bleacherreport.com/articles/10110059-nba-rumors-warriors-klay-thompson-increasingly-linked-to-magic-ahead-of-fa
zkrainynba.com/nba-news-klay-thompson-na-celowniku-magic/
