Kevin Durant, Golden State Warriors All-Star will reportedly decline his player option for the 2018-19 season and become an unrestricted free agent this summer, turning down a salary of $26.2 million.
However, his time in the open free agency market will be brief. On the other hand, as per a report by ESPN, the decision to enter the open market and become an unrestricted free agent does not mean that Durant will leave Golden State as he will instead restructure his deal with the Warriors.
The All-Star signed a $51 million deal of two years last summer which included an opt-out clause. He took about $10 million less than what he could have otherwise earned a max salary. But by agreeing to such terms, the nine-time All-Star allowed the Warriors to retain forward Andre Iguodala and backup guard Shaun Livingston.
Bob Myers said in July, “His gesture of taking less gave us the ability to be very aggressive in pursuing Shaun and Andre.”
It is yet to be decided what contractual route Durant will take, but the sources say that there are no real incentives, for him as well as the team, to take such a discounted pay this time.
At the conclusion of the Warriors’ postseason run, Durant and Rich Kleiman, business partner will go over the scenarios in great depth and detail.
The former Oklahoma City Thunder forward finished this season with 26.6 points, 5.4 assists and 6.8 rebounds in each game this season. For the Warriors to hold on to the Durant, they will have to pay Durant considerably more than over the last two years. So if Durant signs a three-year contract, he would be eligible for a no-trade clause by being a part of NBA for eight seasons and having played for the Warriors for four seasons.
