Kevin Durant has notified the Warriors he will not opt in to the final year of his contract worth $26.3 million for next season, and instead become a free agent at the July 1st deadline, according to Marc Stein. Durant will then begin negotiating a new contract with Golden State.
Just to clarify on Kevin Durant: Friday’s deadline compels Durant to opt IN on his $26.3 million for next season if he chooses, but league sources say he has already informed the Warriors that he will let the deadline pass quietly so he can become a free agent July 1
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 25, 2018
Durant has said repeatedly that he intends to stay with Golden State after the market opens July 1, with sources close to the process saying that an agreement on a new deal with the Warriors is expected in the early stages of free agency https://t.co/6ms7QepiiS
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 25, 2018
Opting out after the first year of his deal was always Durant’s plan, as he can make more money this offseason by negotiating a new deal for two years with a one-year opt out, worth $35.5 million per season. Durant would not be able to earn that much with another 1+1 deal, as he has done the previous two seasons. Durant could also sign a longer term deal for the max.
Durant has stated on numerous occasions that he plans on returning to the Warriors next season.
