Heading into this year's free agency period, All-Star forward Kevin Durant is expected to hit the open market for the second straight year with the expectation that he will re-sign with the Golden State Warriors.

It appears it won't take long for the Warriors to hammer out a new deal with Durant as Marc Stein of The New York Times is reporting that he will agree to ink in a two-year deal with a player option for the second year once the free agency period commences.

There hasn't been much noise of Durant considering going elsewhere as the assumption was that he was going to return to the Warriors, especially after winning a second straight NBA title where he was the NBA Finals MVP in as many seasons with the team. Durant has become one of the focal points of the franchise that has built the league's top powerhouse that has been to four straight NBA Finals and won three championships over that span.

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Bobby Marks of ESPN is also reporting that Durant will take $30 million for the 2018-19 season and a $31.5 million player option for the 2019-20 campaign. The fact that the 29-year-old has decided once again to fall around $5 million under the max annual salary gives the team enough space to use $5.3 million in mid-level exception to possibly bring in additional help.

The team has already been rumored to have interest in veteran forwards Trevor Ariza and guard Avery Bradley, who could both provide much-needed help from beyond the arc and perimeter defense. That said, this quick decision by Durant also helps the Warriors operate more smoothly in free agency with their superstar inked to a new deal.

At the same time, this allows for him to enter the free agent market next offseason that will mark the fourth straight year. More importantly, it keeps the Warriors core group together for at least another year where they will be the favorites to win their third straight NBA title.