Thornton, a former five-star recruit and the No. 3 point guard in the Class of 2015, averaged 7.5 points and 2.5 assists as a freshman last season. He averaged 26.0 minutes per game with 20 starts.
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The Blue Devils are expected to grant him full release in the next couple days.
Thornton could be asking for a transfer for several reasons, including the possibility he simply may want to move closer to his home in California. Duke is also bringing in the No. 2-ranked recruiting class next season, which includes five-star point guard Frank Jackson. Jackson and Thornton would likely have battled for a starting position next season.
