Kevin Durant just signed a contract extension to stay in Golden State through next season, but will he be with the Warriors long term?
There wasn’t much question as to whether Kevin Durant would sign a contract extension with the Warriors this offseason, but the duration of Durant’s new contract was up in the air.
KD decided to sign a one year deal with a player option for the 2019-20 season, which would be worth $61.5 million if Durant opts in for the second season.
The two-time Finals MVP could’ve committed to stay in Golden State with a long-term extension, but Durant chose a short-term deal that would allow him to test the free agent market again next offseason if he declines the second year option.
The Warriors may have to go through all of this again next season.
During the Western Conference Finals it felt like there was some significant tension on Golden State’s roster.
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That tension seemed to go away as the Warriors won their second straight championship, but general manager Bob Myers made some sloppy comments during the championship parade that seemed to insult KD.
I don’t think Golden State’s front office will be able to keep this group of four All-Stars together for too much longer.
Klay Thompson and Draymond Green will need contract extensions in the near future, but I think Durant is the most likely Warrior to leave the Bay Area.
KD will probably stick around for one or two more championships to add to his résumé, but I believe Durant would like to have his own team while he’s still playing at a high level and the bright lights of New York or Los Angeles might draw him to a bigger market.
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If Durant was 100 percent set on staying in Golden State for the rest of his career, he could’ve signed a long-term deal this offseason.
KD’s one year contract implies that he’s having mixed feelings about his future with the Warriors, and I think that will ultimately lead to Durant leaving Golden State next offseason or after picking up his player option in 2020.