Kevin Durant declines Warriors player option, will become unrestricted free agent

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

In a move that was widely expected, Kevin Durant has declined his player option for the 2019-20 season.

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski first reported that Durant declined the option, which would have paid him $31.5M next year. League sources later confirmed the news to The Chronicle's Connor Letourneau.

This means it is a near-certainty he will sign a multi-year max contract with the Warriors or some other team in the coming weeks, despite likely missing the entirety of the next season with an Achilles injury.

"Durant and his business manager Rich Kleiman are in New York, evaluating free agency options," Wojnarowski reported. "So far, process has stayed private."

Free agents can begin negotiating with teams on June 30, and the Warriors can offer Durant a max contract of five years and $221 million. Other teams can only offer Durant a max contract of four years and $164 million.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nba/kevin-durant-declines-warriors-player-option-will-become-unrestricted-free-agent/ar-AADsO04?li=BBnba9I

[leftieNanner]

1. I just saw this and I'm so sad

I have been a Warriors fan for many years (we were season ticket holders during the Run TMC years) and I have loved the way KD melded right in to the team with Steph, Klay, Dray, and Iggy. I guess it's still possible that he will sign a max deal with the Dubs, if for no other reason, they can get something for him. But I wish him well in the future.

[True Dough]

2. Well, the team that does sign him next

will have to eat the first year of his contract. He'll pay paid to sit most of the season on the sidelines, rehabbing his Achilles surgery. Not only that but the franchise that invests in him is taking a real risk because some players are never the same after blowing out their Achilles. It can be a career killer.

[underpants]

3. I think he stays

He can rehab in their brand new facility. His endorsements tend to be Silicon Valley linked.
More money. Knows he will win. By all accounts the players do get along.

The Knocks are a zoo and it's less money. Th only place I could see him moving to is to the Lakers but I don't think they can afford him (depending on the July6th/30th thing with New Orleans).

[Auggie]

4. My opinion: Don't sign him

Last edited Wed Jun 26, 2019, 06:58 PM - Edit history (1)

Warriors had a good run with Durant but it’s time to move on. A year on the bench, paying that salary? No way.

There’s still an awesome roster of talent at Golden State — should be enough to attract healthy free agents.