Kevin Durant is expected to remain in the bay area for at least one or two more years.
The new deal will reportedly be a two-year max contract with a player option in the second year paying Durant $30 million in 2018-19 and 31.5 million in 2019-2020.
According to ESPN's Bobby Marks, Durant would have been eligible to make 35.65 million on a max contract with the Warriors this year had he signed a two-year deal, but signing a 1+1 voids his ability to command the max.
A player that has early bird rights must sign a contract for 2 years with no options. The EB rights would have allowed KD to sign for the max but he elected to do the 1+1 thus voiding the max allowed. https://t.co/qUNBV2w5gT
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) July 1, 2018
With this deal in place, Durant could save the Warriors $5 million this year which will help offset the $5.3 million dollar tax midlevel if the team chooses to use it. It will also help the Warriors save in luxury tax money, which is projected to be close to 20 million according to Marks.
Re-signing Durant allows the Warriors to keep their championship core intact and also remain an attractive destination to a veteran who could help sure up their bench. Dwight Howard and Jamal Crawford were already reported as two players that may want to join the defending world champions.
Regardless if they're able to attract another free agent or not the Warriors will still one of the favourites heading into next season now that the reigning Finals MVP is back onboard.
Durant averaged 26.4 points, 6.8 rebounds and 5.4 assists in 68 games for the Warriors this season.
All signings will not be official until the end of the NBA moratorium period on 6 July.
