In a much anticipated decision, Kevin Durant announced where he will be playing next season. The former MVP revealed that he has agreed to a deal with the Golden State Warriors. The contract is reportedly for two years, worth $54.3 million, and includes a player option after the first season. Durant acknowledged his realization that this announcement disappoints many, but feels this is the best decision for his career.
The deal makes Steph Curry the fourth-highest paid player on the team, behind Durant, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green. Durant's contract will not be finalized until Thursday.
The team renounced their rights to Harrison Barnes following the big signing, as the 24-year-old is said to be heading to Dallas. The team also sent Andrew Bogut to the Mavs in a trade, receiving a draft pick in return.
Thunder general manager Sam Presti praised Durant for his time with the team, but also admitted that he felt a change was coming. It's a change that shakes the entire association, as the Warriors immediately become the favorites for the NBA title. While the Thunder's chances dropped from 7-1 to 30-1.
Durant informed Presti of his decision via a phone call, minutes before the news was revealed to the public. Oklahoma City now has a decision to make with Russell Westbrook, with pretty much two options. They could sign Westbrook to an extension, which reports says the point guard is not interested in at this time, or deal the star in a blockbuster trade.
27-year-old Durant spent his first nine seasons with the Thunder, formerly known as the Seattle Supersonics. He made seven All-Star teams, five All-NBA teams, and won the 2014 MVP award. After an injury-filled season two years ago due to a Jones fracture in his foot, the forward bounced back to earn second-team All-NBA last season. He averaged 28.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 5.0 assists in 72 games.
He will now add to an already high-powered offense. The Warriors plan to use the rest of this off-season to add depth to their bench. After losing Bogut, Barnes, and Festus Ezeli, they will need new contributors off a bench that impressed in the Finals. Once that is all said and done, they will be a team ready to yet again return to the Finals.
The deal makes Steph Curry the fourth-highest paid player on the team, behind Durant, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green. Durant's contract will not be finalized until Thursday.
The team renounced their rights to Harrison Barnes following the big signing, as the 24-year-old is said to be heading to Dallas. The team also sent Andrew Bogut to the Mavs in a trade, receiving a draft pick in return.
Thunder general manager Sam Presti praised Durant for his time with the team, but also admitted that he felt a change was coming. It's a change that shakes the entire association, as the Warriors immediately become the favorites for the NBA title. While the Thunder's chances dropped from 7-1 to 30-1.
Durant informed Presti of his decision via a phone call, minutes before the news was revealed to the public. Oklahoma City now has a decision to make with Russell Westbrook, with pretty much two options. They could sign Westbrook to an extension, which reports says the point guard is not interested in at this time, or deal the star in a blockbuster trade.
27-year-old Durant spent his first nine seasons with the Thunder, formerly known as the Seattle Supersonics. He made seven All-Star teams, five All-NBA teams, and won the 2014 MVP award. After an injury-filled season two years ago due to a Jones fracture in his foot, the forward bounced back to earn second-team All-NBA last season. He averaged 28.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 5.0 assists in 72 games.
He will now add to an already high-powered offense. The Warriors plan to use the rest of this off-season to add depth to their bench. After losing Bogut, Barnes, and Festus Ezeli, they will need new contributors off a bench that impressed in the Finals. Once that is all said and done, they will be a team ready to yet again return to the Finals.
