Despite the recent championship success, Kevin Durant's contract extension was starting to becoming a priority for the Golden State Warriors' front office, despite Durant confirming with the media multiple times throughout the season he would be staying in the Bay Area. These concerns can now be put to rest as Durant has come to an agreement with the defending champions agreeing to a two-year deal worth $53 million. As reported on Monday by Chris Haynes of ESPN, Durant also has an opt-out option after his first season.
Sam Amick of USA Today took note of how much money Kevin Durant sacrificed when signing his new contract:
Typo on option, obviously. Durant will sign a one-plus-one, with a player option for 2018-19. $25 million 1st yr (Max would've been 34.5)
— Sam Amick (@sam_amick) July 3, 2017
Durant would have been willing to take less to stay
Amick also reported that if Andre Iguodala left the Bay Area, Kevin Durant would have taken an even larger pay cut to help the Golden State Warriors in their pursuit of veteran small forward Rudy Gay. Durant finished his controversial free agency last July by announcing he will be joining the Warriors for the 2016-17 NBA season, On July 4, Durant signed a deal for two years worth approximately $54.2 million, Durant also included an opt-out clause in this deal which could be activated at the conclusion of his first season with the Warriors.
The Washington, D.C., local who is currently in his prime at 28 years of age informed Amick that the way he structured his contract does not mean he has any intention of leaving the Bay. Amick also took note of the fact that the winner of the 2013-14 NBA Most Valuable Player award reassured that he has no plans to leave the Golden State Warriors in the foreseeable future.
This was evident when he was overheard discussing his old team the Oklahoma City Thunder back in January.
His first season with the Warriors was nothing less than perfect
In his debut season with the Golden State Warriors playing alongside fellow all-stars Klay Thompson, Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, Kevin Durant averaged 25.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 1.6 blocks and 1.1 steals.
A knee injury limited him to 62 games in the regular season but he was able to return to full health before the playoffs began. He continued to play at an elite level throughout the playoffs to lead the Warriors to their second NBA Title in the span of three seasons. Durant posted averages of 28.5 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 4.3 assists throughout the course of 15 games and was awarded the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player after the Warriors beat the Eastern Conference Champions Cleveland Cavaliers in five games.
