Let the Kevin Durant sweepstakes begin.
Durant is opting out of his player option with the Golden State Warriors for the 2019-20 season, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Per Wojnarowski, Durant has not ruled out a return to the Warriors.
Although some speculated Durant may opt into next season in the wake of his Achilles injury, which may keep him out until 2020-21, this was the expected decision. By opting out, Durant can make in the neighborhood of $38 million with the Warriors next season. His now-declined player option was for $31.5 million.
The Brooklyn Nets seem to have the most momentum in regards to signing Durant longterm. They are also expected to ink Celtics guard Kyrie Irving to a max contract once free agency opens.
The New York Knicks could be the biggest loser in all of this. They were the favorites to land Durant for much of the season, but now find themselves on the outside looking in.
ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith said Wednesday that Knicks owner James Dolan has reservations about handing Durant a max contract due to his Achilles injury.
The Nets are currently the betting favorite to land Durant over at Caesars, with the Warriors not too far behind.
NBA free agency opens July 1.