Unlike last year, Kevin Durant’s free agency “decision” this summer held little suspense when it came to his eventual destination. Spoiler alert – he’s staying with the Warriors. But there had been talk for the past few weeks and months that the Finals MVP planned to re-up with Golden State for less than a max deal.
Details of his contract were reported by ESPN’s Chris Haynes on Monday afternoon, and Warriors fans will be happy to know that Durant is taking even less than people guessed he would – nearly $10 million less than his max salary.
ESPN Sources: Kevin Durant will agree to re-sign with Golden State on a two-year, approximately $53 million deal, league sources tell ESPN.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) July 3, 2017
Haynes also reported that Durant’s second year is a player option, just like the deal he signed with the Dubs last offseason that allowed him to opt out and restructure his contract this summer. He is expected to do the same again in 2018, but take a look at the figure he’ll be playing for next season.
Kevin Durant's Warriors contract expected to be $25 million, I’m told, with player option for 2017-18. Max was $34.5 mil. Major sacrifice.
— Sam Amick (@sam_amick) July 3, 2017
Durant not only turned down a chance at a raise, but he also took less than his 2016-17 salary was.
Kevin Durant's $25 million salary is $9.5 million less than his max, $6.8 less than expected and $1.54 million less than he made last year.
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) July 3, 2017
So the rumors were true, and Durant’s selflessness shines while still collecting a hefty paycheck next season. Durant will be the second-highest paid Warrior, but by taking just $25 million, he helps his team fit Shaun Livingston, Andre Iguodala and whoever else Bob Myers signs. In addition, it appears as though the former league MVP would’ve taken an even smaller deal if Iguodala left and the Dubs had been forced to chase Rudy Gay.
Side story about Durant: If Andre Iguodala had left, I'm told Durant was going to give even more than this back to make room for Rudy Gay.
— Sam Amick (@sam_amick) July 3, 2017
Much of the drama surrounding Golden State’s offseason will now subside, as only another role player or two still need to be signed to fill out the roster. JaVale McGee, Ian Clark and Zaza Pachulia all remain free agents for now. Time will tell which, if any, of the three may take a Durant-esque pay cut to run it back with the Warriors.