When the Golden State Warriors repeated as NBA Champions almost a month ago, there was no doubt Kevin Durant was going to re-sign with them. On the eve of free agency, Durant made a decision regarding next season with the team. When free agency officially begins on July 1st, Durant will sign an one-and-one deal to remain with the Warriors.
On the first year of the deal, Durant will make $30 million. For the season year of the deal, which Durant will hold a player option for the 2019-20 season, he’ll make $31.5 million. This deal shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone. The Warriors wanted to save money here and they did. It also will allow Durant to hit free agency again next summer.
When Durant officially signs the deal, the $5 million in savings will offset the $5.3 taxpayer mid-level exception if they want to use it. It can give the Warriors a chance to upgrade a little more. According to Marc Stein of the New York Times, they’re going to try to pursue soon to be now former Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan.
Jordan would bring size and much needed rebounding to one of the best offensive teams ever. If the Warriors pull it off, it simply would be unfair to the rest of the NBA. That’s how big Durant re-signing a short term deal with the Warriors is.
If the pursuit of Jordan fails, they have other options to use their $5.3 million taxpayer mid-level exception on. According to USA Today’s Sam Amick, they have other potential players that they can add to their roster.
On the Warriors front…
The midlevel ($5.3 mil) is projected to cost $22.5 mil after taxes, so they want major impact.
Dwight wants in, but is fighting Warriors skepticism. Ariza would definitely consider it if he doesn’t find a big payday. Avery Bradley?https://t.co/7eDHFlzNaJ— Sam Amick (@sam_amick) June 30, 2018
The Warriors have also looked into adding Jamal Crawford to their team, who’s been with their franchise before. They know their bench was a weak link this past season. If they can add either Ariza, Bradley, or Crawford, the rich will get richer.
