2017 NBA free agency tracker: Grades for every deal so far
Kevin Durant: 2 years, $53 million (Golden State Warriors)
ESPN Sources: Kevin Durant will agree to re-sign with Golden State on a two-year, approximately $53 million deal, league sources tell ESPN.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) July 3, 2017
It had been reported weeks ago that Kevin Durant was willing to take a team-friendly discount to help the Golden State Warriors bring everyone back in 2017-18, but not many were expecting this.
Leaving $9 million on the table, Durant’s $25.9 million salary for the upcoming season is less than the $26.5 million he earned this past year. He’ll likely opt out next summer, which will make him eligible for a five-year supermax extension to earn his true payday.
When the Dubs went 16-1 en route to the title, it was inevitable KD would be re-signing in the Bay Area. But by taking such a steep discount, Durant let Stephen Curry get his well-deserved supermax extension and freed up enough room to re-sign Andre Iguodala and Shaun Livingston to deals closer to their true market value. That is an incredible testament to KD’s selflessness, his commitment to keeping a dynasty intact and the Warriors’ championship culture overall.
Bourguet Grade: A+
HoopsHabit Grade: A+