The hottest free agent on the planet, Kevin Durant has decided to leave Oklahoma City Thunder and join the Golden State Warriors, he announced earlier today.
Durant signs for the Warriors on a two-year deal, approximately worth $54.3million, making it the most high-profile transfer since LeBron James’ return to Cleveland in 2014.
And with reigning regular season MVP Stephen Curry, hot shooter Klay Thompson and Draymond Green on board,It also solidifies the Warriors status as pre-season favourites for the NBA title.
Via Players Tribune, written by Durant:
This has been by far the most challenging few weeks in my professional life. I understood cognitively that I was facing a crossroads in my evolution as a player and as a man, and that it came with exceptionally difficult choices. What I didn’t truly understand, however, was the range of emotions I would feel during this process.
The primary mandate I had for myself in making this decision was to have it based on the potential for my growth as a player — as that has always steered me in the right direction. But I am also at a point in my life where it is of equal importance to find an opportunity that encourages my evolution as a man: moving out of my comfort zone to a new city and community which offers the greatest potential for my contribution and personal growth. With this in mind, I have decided that I am going to join the Golden State Warriors.
TWITTER REACTION:
Kevin Durant will join Golden State next season. I think it's a safe bet that "odds-on favourite for NBA title" does this no justice.
— John Hobbs (@johnswisshobbs) July 4, 2016
If there was ever to be a team to go 82-0 in a season, it'll happen now with Durant and the Warriors. #NBAFreeAgency #GSW
— Nils Linnenbrügger (@DocNaismith) July 4, 2016
Kevin Durant tweeted this back in 2010. pic.twitter.com/fk2BVj53X9
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) July 4, 2016
— James (@Chillednigga317) July 4, 2016