Kevin Durant took a lot of heat last summer when he decided to leave Oklahoma and join the Golden State Warriors. Many looked at it as the easiest way to the NBA title, but one year later Durant gets the last laugh. He had arguably the best basketball of his career last season, as he averaged 25.1 points, 8.3 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game. What impresses the most is that he shot a career-high 53% from the field, and averaged 2.2 turnovers per game - the lowest of his career.
The Warriors dominated their opponents in the postseason and ended up winning the championship in five games against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Durant was named the NBA Finals MVP, averaging 35.2 points, 8.2 rebounds and 5.4 assists throughout the five games of the NBA Finals. Earlier this summer, Durant decided to opt out his final year of the contract with Golden State, but it was expected that he will re-sign with the Warriors. On Monday night, it was announced that Durant has agreed to sign a new, two-year deal with "the Dubs".
Durant staying in Bay Area
Chris Haynes of ESPN reported on Monday night that the Warriors and Durant have agreed to a two-year contract worth around $53 million. Former league MVP will have a player option for the second year of this contract, and he will be able to opt out again in the summer of 2018.
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) 3. srpnja 2017.
Durant could have gotten a max contract worth $34 million per year, but he chose to take the pay cut in order to keep the championship roster together.
Durant's pay cut made it possible for the Warriors to re-sign Andre Iguodala, David West, and Shaun Livingston. It just goes to show how much it means to Durant to keep winning, and that he's ready to sacrifice his salary in order to win as many NBA titles as possible.
Cavaliers re-sign Kyle Korver
The Cleveland Cavaliers are also trying their best to stay relevant next season.
Even though they failed to acquire Paul George this summer, and it seems like getting Carmelo Anthony will be a tough task, the Cavaliers are looking for other ways to improve their roster.
Just a couple of days ago it was reported that the Cavs signed Jose Calderon to a one-year deal, and on Monday it was announced that Kyle Korver will stay in Cleveland after all.
Cavs acquired Korver via trade midway through the last season, and it was reported that the sides have agreed to a 3-year deal worth $22 million. Reportedly, the third year of the deal is partially guaranteed.
Korver is one of the best three-point shooters in the history of the league, and last season he showed how valuable he could be. In 35 regular-season games with the Cavs last season, Korver averaged 10.7 points per game while shooting 49% from behind the arc. Even though he is 36, Korver flourished playing alongside LeBron James last season and it seems like the two of them will be teammates for at least two or three more years.