Report: Magic, Klay have mutual interest
Veteran wing Klay Thompson and the Orlando Magic have mutual interest ahead of the summer's free-agency period, The Athletic's Shams Charania reported on FanDuel's "Run It Back TV."
The Magic are coming off a 13-win improvement between the last two seasons, resulting in the franchise's first playoff appearance since 2020. Orlando was ousted in seven games in the opening round of the playoffs by the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday after blowing an 18-point lead in Game 7.
Thompson averaged 17.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in 77 contests this past campaign for the Golden State Warriors. The franchise missed the playoffs for the first time since winning a title in 2022.
Various team members, including backcourt mate Stephen Curry and head coach Steve Kerr, have expressed their desire for Thompson to return. General manager Mike Dunleavy also said he wanted to bring the 34-year-old back after the team lost in the play-in tournament.
The Warriors rank second in total cap spending at $249 million, according to Spotrac. Thompson, a four-time champion and five-time All-Star, is Golden State's main free agent. He's played his entire career with the franchise after being drafted in 2011.
Orlando can create up to $35 million in cap space this summer, according to ESPN's Bobby Marks. That projection includes the franchise picking up team options for forward Joe Ingles and center Moritz Wagner, as well as guaranteeing Jonathan Isaac's $17.4-million salary.