Kevin Durant expected to become free agent, not exercise option

Kevin Durant is expected to become a free agent this summer, but Golden State Warriors fans should not be too worried.

The New York Times’ Marc Stein said on Monday that Durant is not expected to exercise his player option for 2018-19 when the deadline comes up on Friday. Instead, he is expected to become a free agent.

Just to clarify on Kevin Durant: Friday's deadline compels Durant to opt IN on his $26.3 million for next season if he chooses, but league sources say he has already informed the Warriors that he will let the deadline pass quietly so he can become a free agent July 1

— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 25, 2018

This move is financially-motivated, as Durant is expected to seek a raise from the $26.25 million he could have received from his player option (here are some of his contract options).

In his first two seasons with Golden State, Durant took less money than he could have made elsewhere in the interest of building a stronger Warriors team. He’s not expected to give them a break this time, though the sides are expected to have a deal in place quickly once the July 1 free agency period begins.