Kevin Durant shook up free agency by announcing he was signing with the Golden State Warriors, but how long will his deal last?
Kevin Durant announced that he will be signing with the Golden State Warriors, who had the best regular season record of all-time last year, and were one win away from being back-to-back NBA champions. It’s obvious that they’re the best team in the league, and Durant felt he has a much better chance of winning a title there than in Oklahoma City. It’s very reminiscent of LeBron’s decision to join Miami.
The Warriors recruited Durant to join them all season long, selling him on the idea of easing pressure off of Steph Curry, who wilted towards the end of the playoffs, and creating a dynasty together. They got rid of Harrison Barnes and Andrew Bogut to make room for him, and have a firm deal set in place for him. Here are the full terms, according to ESPN:
Kevin Durant will sign a two-year deal with the Warriors at $54.3 million, league sources say, with a Player Option for Year 2
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) July 4, 2016
It seems awkward that they told Durant they could build a dynasty together, then only sign him for two years, but his second year is a player option since the salary cap is expected to go up even further next season.
NBA press release on $94.1 million salary cap set for next season. pic.twitter.com/oSqtFymUTy
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) July 2, 2016
Durant will opt out in his second year with Golden State, with a chance to make more money. And if they’re lucky, it will come after they’ve won a championship together in Year 1.
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