Golden State Warriors small forward Kevin Durant can become an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2019 if he declines his 2019-20 player-option with the club, and the back-to-back Finals MVP will draw interest from the New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers should he enter the open market, according to Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports.
Personnel from the Clippers are expected to attend a high number of Warriors games this season, per Haynes' report. There is a feeling around the league that if Durant wins his third-straight title this year, he might leave the Warriors to take on a new challenge.
The Clippers will have cap space to sign two max contract players next offseason. Along with Durant, the franchise has been linked to Minnesota Timberwolves swingman Jimmy Butler and Toronto Raptors star Kawhi Leonard. Both Butler and Leonard can become unrestricted free agents next summer as well.
Kevin Durant will make $30 million this year. The nine-time All-Star would earn $31.5 million in 2019-20 if he picks up his player-option, something Durant is not expected to do since more money is available to him on the open market.
The Clippers tried to sign Durant back in 2016, but were unsuccessful. The team still had Chris Paul, Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan at the time.
It would be a shock to many if Durant signed with the Lakers and teamed up with LeBron James. Barring something unforeseen, Durant and the Warriors are likely going to win the title again this season, which would give Durant three rings, the same amount as James. Kevin Durant probably wants to eclipse James, so joining forces with him and helping LeBron get more championships doesn't make much sense.
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