One of the key players for the Golden State Warriors is already window shopping, exploring what might become his next home, while head coach Steve Kerr muses over what the end of their dynasty would look like.
In a manner that few can, Shams Charania of The Athletic made his regular appearance on Run It Back on Monday morning and dropped a bombshell on the co-hosts.
Is Klay Thompson Considering the Orlando Magic?
According to Charania, “I’m told there is mutual interest between Klay Thompson and the Orlando Magic.”
“Thompson and a few other experienced players in the league believe that the Magic can make a significant improvement without Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner if they bring in a player like Klay Thompson and another veteran, either at the point guard or shooting guard position,” he adds.
This Is Not a Surprise
Thompson and the Magic have been connected for months. It makes sense—they have big budgets, excellent defense, and a desperate need for a top shooter. Despite being past his prime at 34 years old, Thompson remains a formidable 3-point shooter.
In his eleven-year career, Thompson has made 41.3 percent of his three-pointers. He has made 39.7% of his three-pointers in the three seasons since suffering two significant lower body injuries in quick succession.
Thompson is ranked 20th all-time and seventh among active players in career 3-point %. His career 3-point total of 2,481 places him fourth among active players.
He also has 2,982 career three-pointers, good for fourth place all-time (playoffs included). Stephen Curry is the only active player who is a superior 3-point shooter when both efficiency and proficiency are taken into account.
He has certain characteristics with Hall of Fame shooting guard Ray Allen when it comes to the greatest 3-point shooters of all time.
All the same, Thompson has the potential to emerge as Banchero’s Paul Pierce or LeBron James’ Allen. Banchero’s ascent to fame is mostly due to his scoring punch, playmaking, and elegance, much like Pierce or James.
As one of just four players in team history to debut as an All-Star before turning 22, Banchero has established himself as a player deserving of MVP honors.
Banchero faced five-time All-Star Donovan Mitchell head-to-head in a fierce seven-game series during his postseason debut. He was able to average 27.0 points, 8.6 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.1 steals a game with his flexibility, physicality, and willpower.
That being said, a lot of his colleagues weren’t as accurate from beyond the arc as Banchero was. In the first round, the Magic’s 3-point percentage was only 30.9 percent.
Jonathan Isaac was the only other rotation player to shoot above league average from three other than Banchero. Notably, in 2025, Isaac will be free to sign with any team.
An Individual Tour Guide
Once more, it is obvious why Orlando is interested in Thompson. And that’s before we even discuss his championship experience and the wisdom he can share.
But now that it’s brought up, Thompson’s intangible assets are priceless. Just six guys are still in the game who are familiar with the design of a dynasty club. The Warriors have four players: Curry, Thompson, Draymond Green, and Kevon Looney.
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