The Orlando Magic are emerging as potential suitors for Paul George and Klay Thompson in the 2024 NBA free agency, according to Marc Stein.
The Orlando Magic have emerged as a team to watch in the pursuit of Paul George and Klay Thompson, according to NBA insider Marc Stein.
"Orlando continues to be mentioned by various league observers as a natural suitor for George as well as Golden State's Klay Thompson," Stein wrote. "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 valued at $48.8 million. If he declines it, the Magic and the previously reported Philadelphia 76ers are ready to make a move.
With a June 30 deadline looming, the Clippers have a limited window to sway George's decision.
Despite his five seasons with the Los Angeles franchise, George's future remains uncertain, especially after his recent playoff performance, where he averaged 19.5 points against the Dallas Mavericks, 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 for the 2023-24 season. A four-time NBA champion and five-time All-Star, Thompson has spent his entire career in the Bay Area since being drafted 11th overall in 2011.
Before this season began, the Warriors offered Thompson a two-year extension worth around $48 million, which he declined, indicating a disparity in expectations between him and the team.
At 34, Thompson has faced significant setbacks due to knee and Achilles injuries, causing him to miss two consecutive seasons and a portion of the 2021-22 season.
