Golden State Warriors: Complete 2017 offseason grades

Keeping Kevin Durant (SF)

According to ESPN’s Chris Haynes, Kevin Durant reportedly agreed to return to the Golden State Warriors on a two-year deal worth approximately $53 million. The second year will be a player-option that will allow Durant and the Warriors similar financial flexibility in the summer of 2018.  Just like other members of the Warriors, Durant is leaving money on the table in order to help the team repeat as champions.

The defending champs benefited tremendously from the cap-friendly contract that Kevin Durant agreed to sign this summer. The deal was critical to the Warriors’ ability to re-sign key free agents such as Andre Iguodala, Shaun Livingston and Zaza Pachulia. The extra money Durant left on the table also went toward signing newcomers Nick Young and Omri Casspi.

The last two offseasons, Durant has shown the willingness to sacrifice personal statistics and wealth in order to win championships. His 2017 NBA Finals MVP award has stirred debate as to whether he has surpassed LeBron James as the best player in the game.

For now, even if Durant is not the top player in the league, it is clear that he is the best player on the best team. It is an easy day for management when a player like Kevin Durant agrees to a salary that is well below what he could and should demand.

Grade: A+