According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Orlando Magic have emerged as a contender for Paul George and Klay Thompson.
“Orlando continues to be mentioned by various league observers as a natural suitor for George as well as Golden State’s Klay Thompson,” Stein stated. “The Clippers certainly hope to retain George in free agency, but they’ve made it clear by letting negotiations drag out to this point that they want to do it at their price.”
George has a player option for the 2024-25 season worth $48.8 million. If he declines, the Magic and the previously mentioned Philadelphia 76ers are poised to make a move.
With a June 30 deadline approaching, the Clippers have a limited opportunity to influence George’s decision.
Despite five seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers, George’s future is unknown, particularly following his latest playoff performance against the Dallas Mavericks, in which he averaged 19.5 points, his lowest since 2013.
Meanwhile, Thompson is in the final season of his five-year, $190 million contract with the Golden State Warriors, earning $43.2 million in 2023-24. Thompson, a four-time NBA champion and five-time All-Star, has played his whole career in the Bay Area since being picked 11th overall in 2011.
Before the season began, the Warriors offered Thompson a two-year extension worth roughly $48 million, which he turned down, showing a mismatch in expectations between him and the organization.
Thompson, 34, has suffered substantial setbacks owing to knee and Achilles ailments, which have forced him to miss two consecutive seasons as well as a chunk of the 2021-22 season.
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