Warriors superstar and sharpshooter Klay Thompson has been going through a rollercoaster season with various ups and downs constantly affecting his performances, thereby leading to widespread frustrations from fans.
Now, the superstar has been linked heavily with the Orlando Magic for a potential move in the summer as the Warriors try to push for the most alongside superstar Stephen Curry.
Magic tipped as Klay Thompson’s next destination
Klay Thompson has been having a very frustrating season with the Golden State Warriors struggling to create an identity for himself as the Warriors try to carry themselves through the turbulence of the Western Conference. With Klay’s disappointing performances, the star managed to make himself more of a burden than a relief for his co-superstar Stephen Curry.
![Klay Thompson](https://www.sportsknot.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/klay-usa-1024x683.jpg)
Following his abysmal performances, which have been haunting the Warriors, the superstar has been on the trading block, though there haven’t been any official confirmations. However, very recently, NBA correspondent Marc Stein reported that the Orlando Magic were heavily linked with the player, hoping to land him in the summer later this year.
The Orlando Magic have been “increasingly mentioned" as a potential suitor for Klay Thompson 👀
— Basketball Forever (@bballforever_) February 20, 2024
(via @TheSteinLine) pic.twitter.com/DsJxoijS1Y
While it comes as a surprise, the news comes after the increasingly disappointing performances from the five-time All-Star that have been below Klay Thompson’s standards. While it is unclear what the Warriors intend to do with Klay Thompson after this season, they’ve made adequate changes to Thompson’s current roles within the team to bring out the best in the player, a move that will not only help the player but also the team.
Stephen Curry opens up about Klay Thompson’s bench role
Keeping the greater good of the team in mind, the Golden State Warriors have made significant changes to their rotations involving superstar Klay Thompson. Before the Warriors went off for the All-Star Break, the team experimented with a move where they placed Klay Thompson on the bench.
![Klay Thompson](https://www.sportsknot.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/klay-getty-3-1024x683.jpg)
The move eventually worked out in favor of Klay Thompson and the Warriors, as the superstar took on the new challenge without any hesitation, scoring a season-high 35 points and shooting 7 of 13 from the field. In what was undoubtedly his best performance this season, the star shot 59.1% from the field while also shooting 53.8% from the arc, a night to remember for the four-time champion amidst his ongoing struggles.
![Klay Thompson](https://www.sportsknot.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/klay-usa-2-1024x683.jpg)
Warriors superstar and basketball’s finest, Stephen Curry, spoke to ESPN’s Malika Andrews, calling the move “weird.”
“It was weird. I’ve come off the bench a couple of times and seen him start, so it was weird to switch roles.”, said Curry. The superstar added, praising Curry, “For him, there’s only one way for him to respond: the way that he did. I think there’s been a lot of narratives around his season and since he’s come back from his injuries – a lot unfair.I think the natural evolution of all of our careers is trying to figure out how to continue to win, but it might look a little different. The way that he responded is the Klay Thompson that I know — the true competitor, the true dawg. He got pissed off and said, ‘Watch this.’ I think a lot of it is just knowing who he is.”
![Klay Thompson](https://www.sportsknot.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/klay-getty-2-1024x683.jpg)
The sharpshooter also emphasized on Klay’s importance, saying, “However it looks moving forward, for us, it has just always been about our team’s success — the root of everything. And he’s as important to that as anybody.”
What are your thoughts on the season Klay Thompson is having? Should the Warriors trade the star? Is Klay Thompson a liability? We are eager to know your thoughts and opinions on the four-time champion’s situation, so feel free to comment below.