After the initial shock following what we now know is a torn Achilles tendon for Kevin Durant in Game 5, discussions about how it will affect his future are beginning to dominate the conversation. For months, all the reports have been that KD will opt out of his player option with the Warriors this offseason, worth $31.5 million for 2019-20. Durant is then expected to sign elsewhere in free agency.
We still don’t have clarity on that last part, and won’t until this offseason, but Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN believes that KD deciding to opt into his current contract for next year remains highly unlikely.
“I think opting in is the last resort,” Woj said on Get Up. “That’s really if (he) couldn’t find any other team to commit to (him) on a contract … I still think there’s going to be a market for Kevin Durant to get a long-term — whether it’s max or near-max contract.
“I’d be shocked if the Warriors were not willing to still go long term with Kevin Durant on a deal.”
If Durant opts out and re-signs elsewhere this offseason, he’d be eligible for a four-year max contract worth about $164 million. If Durant re-signs longterm with Golden State, they could give him a five-year max worth an estimated $221 million. Durant is likely miss a minimum of 12 months with the injury, and will turn 32 before the start of the 2020-21 season.
Woj also commented on Durant’s decision to head to New York for an MRI, instead of staying in the Bay Area. He doesn’t think we should make too much of it.
“I don’t know that there’s anything to read into that,” he said. “Dr. O’Malley is at the very top of that profession.
“(Durant) has been a patient of him before. He’s worked closely with him through different foot injuries, lower leg injuries in the past.
“He’s continued a professional relationship with Durant through the last few years.”