Early Trade Targets for the Orlando Magic

Klay Thompson

The Golden State Warriors made a huge splash this offseason with the acquisition of Kevin Durant. The addition of Durant brings about a change in the Warriors’ offensive flow. And Klay Thompson’s role has somewhat diminished.

Adding such a prolific scorer like Kevin Durant gives Golden State a major boost on offense that would be manageable if they were to lose Thompson. Rumors — both fake and tinged with reality — have begun to swirl about the Warriors being open to trading Thompson to acquire more depth and rim protection.

As predicted in many outlets, the Magic have struggled to put points on the board. If Orlando can somehow steal Thompson away from Golden State, he would immediately become the focal point of the offense and elevate the team as a whole.

With few shooters on the team, and the available shooters struggling to find their rhythm at the moment, opposing defenses tend to sag off their man. The little threat of the 3-point shot falling clogs up things elsewhere and allows help defense to come faster.

Having Thompson on the floor will stretch the defense knowing he is the only actual threat from distance. That alone will open up driving lanes for the rest of the team who work better closer to the basket.

Thompson is also regarded for his one-on-one defense, even though he is still underrated on that end. If the Magic can find a way to acquire possibly the best shooting guard in the league, they would be wise to do so.