ESPN’s Chris Haynes and multiple sources are reporting that Kevin Durant is willing to do his part to keep this current group of Warriors together and build a dynasty. Up to 10 current Warriors could be free agents this offseason and KD wants to retain them and continue to build and see how many championships they can win.
At Wednesday’s exit interviews KD said:
It’s a special team, a special group. It’s a business of basketball, obviously, so nothing is for sure, but here, I feel like we can work that out and everybody will have a chance to do this again next year. It’s easier said than done, obviously, but that’s the goal. We want to keep this thing together and see how we can continue to keep getting better.
KD has a player option for next season, and if he takes approximately $4M less in salary, the Dubs don’t have to renounce the rights of Andre Iguodala and Shaun Livingston. Two key players in their championship hopes. Plus if KD delays signing his own super max deal it gives the team more flexibility to retain other players.
Now that he has tasted championship success, there is no reason for KD to break this up. The most likely scenario is that he continues to sign 2 year max deals with player options so that he can keep his options open and help the Warriors retain talent. KD is now on pace to build his legacy and place in NBA history as an all time great.