The Warriors will have some complicated and tricky work in front of them when free agency officially kicks off this Saturday. With two superstars to extend, two very key role players that need to be persuaded to re-sign, and a whole host of veterans whose deals will expire, money and timing will be key for Bob Myers and company.
To that end, Kevin Durant, who reportedly is already planning to take less money than he could get in order to help with salary cap flexibility, will be patient in re-signing in order to allow the Warriors to get their ducks in a row. A report from ESPN’s Marc Stein says Durant “plans to wait until after the team completes the bulk of its summer business before re-signing with the NBA champions.”
The expectation in Warriors circles, sources say, is that Durant won't formally come to terms on his new deal until "later in the month."
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) June 28, 2017
Stein goes on to confirm what’s been reported on Durant and his contract situation, which is that he will opt out of his current two-year deal when free agency begins to sign a new one that also has a player option for the second year. It’s been expected he’ll do the same next year and cash out on his long-term extension in the summer of 2018. Stein writes that Durant has assured the Warriors he won’t be entertaining any offers from other teams.
Durant is intent on helping the Warriors bring back Shaun Livingston and Andre Iguodala however he can, so by waiting to sign and taking less money than a max deal, he gives added flexibility to the Golden State front office.