Fansided

Kevin Durant likes winning titles, won’t leave Warriors

By Jeremy Lambert

CLEVELAND, OH - JUNE 06: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors reacts against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second half during Game Three of the 2018 NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena on June 6, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - JUNE 06: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors reacts against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second half during Game Three of the 2018 NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena on June 6, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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Kevin Durant is sticking with the Golden State Warriors, ensuring he’ll once again take the hardest path to the Finals.

In the least surprising news of NBA free agency, Kevin Durant is re-signing with the Golden State Warriors. New York Times’ Marc Stein first broke the news on Twitter.

Durant’s new deal will keep in the Bay City for at least another season on a salary of $30 million. Following the 2018-19 season, Durant can pick up his option, worth $31.5 million, or become an unrestricted free agent once again. While $30.5 million is a lot of money to the casual observer, it’s actually less than the $35.65 million max that he could have earned. By signing a one-plus-one deal instead of two-year deal, the Warriors small forward was not eligible for a max salary.

With Durant staying, the Warriors will likely book their fifth straight trip to the NBA Finals. Since signing with Golden State two years ago, the Warriors are 32-6 in the playoffs, having won two straight championships. Durant walked away with Finals MVP in both seasons.

However, it could create long-term issues for the team that is light years ahead. Durant, and Klay Thompson, are scheduled to be unrestricted free agents at the end of 2019. For the Warriors to keep their core together, they would have to move salary or get one of the two to take a pay cut. Durant has taken a pay cut in each of the last two seasons and might not be willing to sacrifice for a third year, even with a Finals trip all but booked.

Next: NBA Free Agency 2018 Tracker: Latest rumors, trades and signings

In failing to commit to the team past this season, Durant and the Warriors will have to endure another season of “What’s Kevin going to do?” Life sure is difficult for the back-to-back champions with four All-Stars.

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