Golden State Warriors star Kevin Durant opted out of the final year of his contract, the long-expected move that officially makes him a free agent.
ESPN reported that Durant is staying in New York and talking with his business manager, discussing Durant’s potential moves.
The two-time NBA Finals MVP spent much of the 2019 playoffs dealing with a calf injury, and after trying to come back for Game 5 of the Finals against the Toronto Raptors, he ruptured his Achilles tendon in the second quarter.
It’s unknown how his injury will affect his earning potential as a free agent. The Warriors could offer him a max five-year, $221 million deal to return, or he could sign elsewhere for as much as four years and $164 million. But either way, Durant is likely to miss much, if not all, of the 2019-2020 season as he recovers from the injury.
The New York Knicks, Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Clippers are in the running for Durant, ESPN reported.
• Adam Zielonka can be reached at azielonka@washingtontimes.com.
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