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As always, it’s going to be a hectic NBA offseason this summer. Some of the biggest names in the league will be free agents, including two superstars that the the Golden State Warriors have faced in the Western Conference Finals and NBA Finals: Chris Paul, and LeBron James. The decisions of these players, and many others, could dramatically shape the NBA landscape.
One other huge name is set to be a free agent: Kevin Durant. Durant has a player option for the final year of the one-plus-one contract he signed last summer, and he’ll surely opt out to become a free agent.
Despite the rumors people have tried to start, it’s been clear for a long time that Durant will opt out, and then re-sign with a restructured contract. Durant confirmed that a few months ago when he said he would be staying in the Bay Area.
Still, with a player as important as Durant is, a little confirmation is always nice. And Durant provided that confirmation this week, during an interview with ESPN’s Rachel Nichols.
I asked Kevin Durant about his free agent plans this summer, and his answer should make Golden State fans happy: "I'm planning on staying with the Warriors." pic.twitter.com/1w75Xcgl3h
— Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols) June 8, 2018
Asked about his upcoming decision, Durant said, “I’m planning on staying with the Warriors. We’ll figure the rest out.”
At this point, the question is no longer whether Durant will stay with Golden State, but rather what contract he’ll sign. Will it be another short contract, or will he sign for longer? Will he take another discount to help the team retain their best players?
Either way, look for Durant to be spending a lot of time in Oakland during Oracle Arena’s final year. He’s staying put.