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The Golden State Warriors are expected to offer Kevin Durant a full five-year max deal worth $221 million. But should Durant turn it down, the franchise is willing to work with Durant and his manager Rich Kleiman on a potential sign-and-trade.
It's worth noting this is different from the previously proposed delayed sign-and-trade, which would have Durant rehabilitate under the Warriors' pocket until Golden State finds a trade partner with the right assets — a course the team has considered rather unlikely.
Per ESPN's Ramona Shelburne and Brian Windhorst:
Article Continues Below“Still hugely in demand despite his injury, Durant will get numerous other offers. If he wants to go elsewhere now, the Warriors are preparing plans to pivot and potentially try to work with Durant on a sign-and-trade deal. [GM Bob] Myers has been staying in contact with Durant and his business partner Rich Kleiman since the season ended, according to sources.”
More and more teams are willing to work on a potential sign-and trade, much like the Philadelphia 76ers are willing to do with the likes of Jimmy Butler, who is furiously wanted by the Houston Rockets, who have pursued him for the better part of a year since he became available early through the 2018-19 season.
The Warriors could get a few assets like role players and most likely including future picks that could help them salvage some return from their investment in Durant.
Furthermore, doing a sign and trade could create a $37.6 million trade exception, which would make the Warriors potential suitors in the free-agent market.
While this exception couldn't be used to sign a player outright, Golden State could explore other sign-and-trade deals with free agents, which could prove a lot more beneficial than hunting for capable veterans in minimum salaries.
