The Orlando Magic have shown interest in Klay Thompson, and according to reports, Thompson is reciprocating that interest. This development raises questions about the stability of Thompson’s long-standing relationship with the Golden State Warriors.

On Monday, NBA insider Shams Charania revealed that there is “mutual” interest between Thompson, who is currently a free agent, and the Orlando Magic. The Magic, with ample salary cap space and a need for an experienced shooter, could be an appealing destination for Thompson this offseason.

While Thompson’s potential move to the Magic may not seem as intuitive as his role with the Warriors, there is still a rationale behind it.

And let me address the forthcoming breaking news: There will likely be reciprocal interest between Thompson and the Philadelphia 76ers, as well as the San Antonio Spurs. Additionally, there’s a possibility of interest from the Oklahoma City Thunder, although they may not prioritize him as my top choice.

Interest is expected because Thompson remains one of the premier 3-point shooters in the NBA, having made 268 shots last season with a shooting percentage of 38%.

Moreover, there will be interest due to Thompson’s impressive track record as a four-time NBA Champion, possessing a wealth of valuable insights and winning experience, despite his sometimes reserved and enigmatic demeanor.

Thompson is likely to show interest in playing for other teams because he aims to secure the highest possible salary. This strategy is familiar to fans of the San Francisco Giants, who have seen top players like Bryce Harper, Shohei Ohtani, and Aaron Judge leverage interest from the Giants to drive up offers from their preferred teams.

Warriors fans may also recall a similar tactic employed by Draymond Green, who used his hometown Detroit Pistons to negotiate better deals with the Warriors on two occasions.

It appears that Thompson is following a similar playbook, albeit to some extent. Despite never having explored free agency before, he now finds himself in need of maximizing his earnings potential.

The Warriors made their valuation of Thompson clear before the season began, offering a reported two-year, $48 million contract which he promptly rejected. Since then, there have been no further negotiations between Thompson and the Warriors, and it seems he hasn’t taken actions to increase his value in their eyes.

Hence, Thompson is relying on the open market to boost his market value. While he remains an invaluable asset to the Warriors both on and off the court, with his departure likely to leave a significant void, he understands the business side of the game and the importance of securing his financial future.

While it’s tempting to dismiss Thompson’s potential departure as mere posturing, there’s a real possibility that he may seek a fresh start elsewhere.