Cleveland Cavaliers superstar LeBron James is expected to get a lot of attention in the coming weeks, as he is set to make a decision on whether to stay with the Cavs or sign elsewhere. While the four-time Most Valuable Player is the biggest name on the market, there are superstars who might also test free agency, including Kevin Durant.
Durant still has a year left in his contract with the Warriors, but he has the option to opt out of the final season of his deal with Golden State. According to Marc Stein of ESPN, Durant is tipped to join James and other superstars such as Paul George and Chris Paul on the free-agency market.
Durant Not Going Anywhere
While he is set to become a free agent next month, Durant is not expected to leave the Warriors. Stein clarified that it has been very clear all along that the 11-year veteran intends to stay with the Warriors, especially after experiencing a lot of success in his first two years in the Bay Area.
Durant has said repeatedly that he intends to stay with Golden State after the market opens July 1, with sources close to the process saying that an agreement on a new deal with the Warriors is expected in the early stages of free agency https://t.co/6ms7QepiiS — Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 25, 2018
Durant led the Warriors to their second consecutive title earlier this month after dismantling the Cleveland Cavaliers in four games. The former Texas standout averaged 28.8 points on top of 10.8 rebounds and 7.5 assists to win the 2018 NBA Finals MVP plum. He erupted for 43 points in Game 3 of the series, which virtually took the fight out of Cleveland.
KD Unlikely To Take Discounted Deal From Golden State
The two-time Finals MVP agreed to take a pay cut in his last two negotiations with Golden State to give them the opportunity to keep their core together. However, Durant is unlikely to take a discounted deal again this summer, according to Clutch Points.
According to Chris Haynes of ESPN, the nine-time All-Star is eligible for a four-year, $158 million maximum deal from the Warriors. Money is unlikely to become an issue for Golden State, as Warriors general managers declared earlier this month that Durant can get whatever deal he wants this summer.
Durant also has the option for more flexibility in the next two to three years. He could opt for a three-year deal with a player option in the final season. If he decides to take this route, he will get a starting salary of $35.35 million for next season, according to Tim Kawakami of The Athletic.
Durant's next deal will likely have a long-term effect to Golden State's roster. It could dictate how much room they will have to sign role players. It also worth noting that Klay Thompson could become a free agent next season, and Draymond Green might also demand a restructured deal from Golden State.
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