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Kevin Durant’s Big Free Agent Decision

By Josh Cornelissen

May 22, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant speaks to the media after the game against the Golden State Warriors in game three of the Western conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
May 22, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant speaks to the media after the game against the Golden State Warriors in game three of the Western conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 22, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) and guard Russell Westbrook (0) and guard Andre Roberson (21) celebrate during the second quarter against the Golden State Warriors in game three of the Western conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
May 22, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) and guard Russell Westbrook (0) and guard Andre Roberson (21) celebrate during the second quarter against the Golden State Warriors in game three of the Western conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

The Middle Way

One option remains for Kevin Durant that would delay his decision another year. LeBron James has modeled the “1+1” contract, signing a two-year max deal with a player option in the second year.

This has allowed him to opt out every season, keep his options open and re-sign to the maximum possible amount.

Durant could decide to do the same, re-signing to stay in Oklahoma City for another year. The Thunder came incredibly close to making the NBA Finals this season. Next year their core will still be in their primes — no rotation player for the Thunder is in line for an age-related decline.

Steven Adams, Andre Roberson and Cameron Payne are all young with the potential for growth, and another year under Billy Donovan could set this team up for a title next year. He could stay to see if that possibility becomes a reality.

In the summer of 2017 even more teams will have cap space, and his options will increase even more. LeBron James will be one year older, perhaps setting up a window in the East. The Warriors will have the cap space to sign Durant outright if he decides that’s the best place for him.

There will also be a plethora of star free agents, including Westbrook, that Durant could choose to team up with. If they wanted to reunite with James Harden in Houston, they could probably do that. Take their turn in South Beach? Redeem the purple and gold with the Lakers?

There will be close to 30 teams clamoring for his services next summer.

The final reason this decision makes sense is that it increases Durant’s earnings by a significant amount. NBA max salaries are divided into tiers according to years logged; Durant has played nine seasons, meaning he is eligible for a max contract starting at 30 percent of the cap.

If he logs one more season he will move into the next tier, making him eligible for a contract starting at 35 percent of the cap.

Signing what amounts to a one-year deal and then inking a long-term contract next season, in Oklahoma City or elsewhere, maximizes the amount of money he can earn over the next five or six seasons.

must read: Miami Heat: Do They Have Room To Add A Star?

This “1+1” contract option grants Durant flexibility, increased pay, and one more shot to see if this core can lift the trophy. After a season where that trophy seemed closer than ever for a few brief moments, the future is uncertain for this organization and their star player.

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