NBA News Roundup, Thursday, June 27th: Kevin Durant declines $31.5M player option, update on Lakers' pursuit of Kawhi Leonard and more
The 2019 offseason is finally here, and it is gearing up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory. The upcoming free agent class is perhaps the best in NBA history, as the likes of Kawhi Leonard, Kyrie Irving, Jimmy Butler, and Kevin Durant will all be up for grabs.
Teams such as the Los Angeles Lakers, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Houston Rockets are also attempting to make big moves as they look to build a roster that can compete during the 2019/20 season. So, here are all the latest NBA rumors you need to know for June 27.
Kevin Durant declines $31.5M player option for 19-20 season
Despite suffering an Achilles injury during the NBA Finals, Kevin Durant is still expected to be among the summer's most in-demand free agents. The Warriors remain keen to sign KD to a new long-term deal, although Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN is reporting that the 30-year-old has opted out of the final year of his existing deal:
Golden State Warriors star Kevin Durant has declined his $31.5M player option and will become an unrestricted free agent, league sources tell ESPN.
Durant and his business manager Rich Kleiman are in New York, evaluating free agency options. So far, process has stayed private
According to Wojnarowski, Durant is considering a number of options in free agency, including a potential return to Golden State.
However, other potential destinations include the New York Knicks, Brooklyn Nets, and the Los Angeles Clippers.
Durant can now sign a four-year, $164 million deal with a rival team, although he is eligible to sign a five-year, $221 million deal if he stays with the Warriors.