NBA: Kevin Durant Is 'Officially' a Free Agent

Welcome NBA fans!

We all knew that before free agency starts, two-time NBA champion Kevin Durant would opt out of his final contract with the Golden State Warriors. The reason why Durant can opt out is to sign a $38.2 million max deal either with the Warriors or another team (New York or Brooklyn) in free agency.

As free agency approaches, it is "confirmed" that Durant will become a free agent.

Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPNreported that Kevin Durant will opt out of his contract with the Warriors. This is the only way for Durant to earn a maximum salary, if he either signs a five-year max deal worth $221 million with the Warriors or a four-year max worth $194 million somewhere else. Either way, I’m sure Durant wouldn’t mind signing those max contracts once free agency begins.

Ever since he came to the Warriors back in 2016, Durant has always signed short deals and taken discounts to build a dynasty for Golden State. As a result, this gave him more leverage and options while still competing at a high level. Although Durant ruptured his achilles in the 2019 NBA Finals, there are still multiple teams who are willing to give him a max deal.

Both the New York Knicks and the Brooklyn Nets are frontrunners for his services if Durant chooses to leave.

Kevin Durant can shift the balance of power in the NBA.

Along with Kawhi Leonard, Durant is one of those players who can change a franchise and shift the balance of power in an instant. This is why his decision is crucial entering free agency. With the uncertainty looming for Durant, this has to be the toughest situation he has ever been in.

First, he was “misdiagnosed” during the playoffs. Second, Durant ruptured his achilles in the Finals against a very good Raptors' team. Finally, he is choosing whether or not to stay with the Warriors to heal up or leave for better pastures.

If I were in his shoes and having to go through the misdiagnosed injury, I would leave and get a max deal with the Brooklyn Nets. That way, the Nets can sign Durant’s friend DeAndre Jordan to lure him in and sign Kyrie Irving.

Will Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, & DeAndre Jordan become teammates in Brooklyn?

With that talented group of individuals, the Nets can make a lot of noise in the East. Remember, Durant, Jordan, and Irving all won gold medals at the 2016 Rio Olympics. The bond they shared must have been really special. Heading to Brooklyn would make a lot of sense for Durant for the long-term.

Why?

Because both him and Irving fits the Brooklyn culture. With a street basketball style, playing at Barclay’s Center and playing with Kyrie is the best situation for Durant. If he stays with the Warriors, there will be no more competition.

Furthermore, the Warriors can offer him the full max contract worth $221 million for five years and trade him to his preferred destination (likely the Brooklyn Nets).

The Brooklyn Nets are "frontrunners" to land Kevin Durant.

The best-case scenario in this type of situation is to leave Golden State and sign a four-year max contract with the Nets. To further prove that the Nets is the place to be, there were reports that Durant’s doctor, who performed the achilles surgery, is one of the Nets medical staff.

Even though Durant’s life has drastically changed because of a devastating injury, he is still one of most coveted free agents in the market. Compared to his 2016 free agency, Durant will not have a group of players persuading him to join their team (I'm talking to you, Warriors).

This time around, he will decide which team is the right fit for him and for his family.

By opting out of his contract, this was the first step of controlling Durant’s destiny.

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