The Golden State Warriors have reportedly expressed some recent optimism that they can re-sign Kevin Durant this summer, according to Sam Amick of The Athletic.
The Warriors are the only team that can offer Durant a five-year, $221 million deal this offseason. KD is widely expected to miss the entire 2019-20 season while recovering from his torn right Achilles tendon. That $50 million Durant could earn when he’s 35 years old looks really enticing right now since he is rehabbing from a serious injury.
The Warriors certainly remain in this race and have expressed some recent optimism privately, in part because they’re the only team that can offer a five-year, $221 million deal (which would pay him $50 million in the final season when he’s 35 years old; other teams are capped at four years and a combined $164 million). With Durant expected to miss next season while recovering, only he knows how his health situation will factor in.
If Durant decides to leave the Warriors, the two-time Finals MVP is expected to join either the New York Knicks or Brooklyn Nets with Kyrie Irving. It's assumed Irving to the Nets is a done deal at this point.
Since joining the Warriors in 2016, Durant has won two titles and two Finals MVPs. The scoring machine has averaged 25.8 points in 208 regular season games with the Dubs.
