The Golden State Warriors aren’t expecting any surprises this summer. All four of their All-Stars will be back, though there is the matter of some paperwork.
Durant had a year left on his deal with Golden State worth more than $26 million, though it’s reported that he’s opted out of that option and will instead re-sign in free agency. That gives Durant a chance to get a new deal with the Warriors, and there’s little doubt that Durant is leaving Oakland. But that doesn’t mean Durant is looking for the long-term deal many will seek in the free agent market.
Anthony Slater reported on Saturday that there are “rumblings” that Durant will sign another short term deal with Golden State, giving him some flexibility in his future and also helping the Warriors in the long term in another way.
Something of note 12 hours before free agency: If KD takes another 1+1 deal (rumblings are it's heading that way), it would save the Warriors a ton in tax money. Salary next year would be $30mil instead of max of around $35.4mil. That would increase likelihood Warriors use MLE.
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) June 30, 2018
Making it work in Golden State with all the talent on the roster means sacrificing earning potential for the sake of titles, and that’s been the case with Durant in his time with the team. But there’s also something to say about having another short-term deal that offers Durant flexibility in the future. If things do go south at some point, Durant simply goes anywhere else he wants.
Unless, of course, the Warriors manage to sign DeAndre Jordan this summer and somehow get even better. Then Durant probably isn’t going anywhere for a while.
