Kevin Durant to the Warriors: Latest Contract Details, Comments, and Reaction
The largest free-agent domino has fallen, potentially bringing down the Oklahoma City Thunder franchise with it. On Thursday, the Warriors declared that the signing was official.
Kevin Durant stated on July 4 on the Players’ Tribune that he will join the Golden State Warriors, potentially altering the NBA’s power structure.
The key mandate I gave myself in making this decision was to base it on the possibilities for my progress as a player, since this has always guided me in the correct route. But I’m also at a moment in my life where it’s critical to discover an opportunity that will help me grow as a man: moving out of my comfort zone to a new location and community with the most potential for my contribution and personal development. With this in mind, I’ve chosen to join the Golden State Warriors.
I am originally from Washington, D.C., but Oklahoma City has genuinely raised me. It taught me a lot about family and what it meant to be a man. There are no words to explain how much the organisation and community mean to me, and how they will always be a part of my life and heart. The memories and friendships extend well beyond the game. Those vital relationships are what made this decision so difficult.
It kills me to think that I will disappoint so many people with my decision, but I believe I am doing the right thing at this moment in my life and playing career.
On July 4, ESPN.com’s Marc Stein stated that “Durant will sign a two-year deal with the Warriors at $54.3 million, league sources say, with a Player Option for Year 2.” Marcus Thompson of the Bay Area News Group, citing a source, claimed that Durant had made his decision by Sunday night. Thompson stated, “The wait was about getting the announcement in order.”
The Warriors shared a shot of Durant wearing his new Warriors jersey:
Durant, 27, has spent his first nine seasons with the Thunder team. In 2013-14, he made seven All-Star appearances, was named to six All-NBA teams, and won MVP. The Thunder did not exist before Durant’s arrival—he was drafted the season before the team relocated from Seattle—and he has come to represent the organisation.
The Thunder commended Durant for his contributions quickly after he made his choice, according to ESPN.com’s Marc J. Spears:
Thunder general manager Sam Presti later talked with media on Monday, answering a question on how supporters should react to Durant’s leaving, according to Royce Young of ESPN:
Durant’s mother shared her thoughts on the organisation after her son’s announcement:
Durant’s departure from the Thunder seemed unfathomable less than two months ago. Oklahoma City, fresh off defeating the 67-win San Antonio Spurs, grabbed a 3-1 lead against the reigning champion Golden State Warriors in the Western Conference Finals.
We all know what came next. A pair of Golden State home victories and the Thunder’s disappointing collapse in Game 6 sent them home early, and the Warriors almost rode that wave to back-to-back championships before losing a 3-1 lead in the NBA Finals.
In Game 6, Durant and Russell Westbrook appeared to be on track for a long-term partnership.
Durant has left town and joined the competition.
Durant, who is normally reserved and submissive in public, met with the Boston Celtics, Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Clippers, Miami Heat, and San Antonio Spurs in addition to the Thunder. Durant quickly distanced himself from Oklahoma City, revealing that he intended to be “selfish” throughout the free-agency process.
“It’s one of these things where I just, I’ve just got to hear from me and hear what I want and talk to myself on what I need and how I can make this thing work for myself and just try to be selfish a bit,” Durant told reporters during his post-game press conference.
Golden State emerged as a bidder early on in the process. It’s a big enough market to schedule meetings with every possible free agent, so Durant should listen to what the Warriors have to offer. As the process progressed and stories piled up, it became evident that Durant was pondering a departure.
Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical provided insight into Durant’s choice.
Draymond Green texted Spears about his thoughts on Durant’s arrival:
The Clippers were ruled out early because they couldn’t pay Durant a max contract, and Royce Young of ESPN.com stated that Durant was picking between Golden State and Oklahoma City. Moving to the Bay Area would bring the near certainty of a championship, but also a degree of criticism unprecedented since LeBron James departed the Cleveland Cavaliers for Miami in 2010.
The benefit is evident. Durant is one of basketball’s top five players, even if he isn’t the obvious successor to LeBron James that many expected. He rebounded from an injury-plagued 2014-15 season by averaging 28.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game, just missing out on a rare 50-40-90 shooting season.
Durant joins Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Green to form an unprecedented four-headed monster. The NBA has never seen a more offensively skilled or versatile squad.
Ethan Sherwood Strauss of ESPN.com stated, citing a source, that Durant’s new teammate Andre Iguodala “gave an incredible pitch at the Durant meeting.” He brought up their participation in the 2010 World Championships. Iguodala tweeted his enthusiasm about Durant joining the team:
However, Spears cited consequences for Festus Ezeli following Durant’s signing, while Stein also commented on Harrison Barnes’ future:
While Durant’s chronic foot issues may resurface, this is a risk you’re willing to accept 100 percent. Acquiring Durant alters the course of a whole franchise, which the Thunder must now deal with on the opposite end of the spectrum.
Westbrook becomes a free agent next summer. With Durant’s departure, Oklahoma City may contemplate moving on. Westbrook is from Los Angeles and may relocate to a larger location in a year. Serge Ibaka has already left, having been dealt to the Orlando Magic. There may be a true urge to scrap everything and start over, making the Thunder one of the NBA’s best what-if stories.
For the time being, the NBA is just dealing with the most important decision since The Decision.
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