Golden State Warriors fans woke up this morning to some amazing news. Kevin Durant is going to begin the next chapter of his historic career in the Bay Area.
After the devastating NBA Finals loss put a damper on what was such a fantastic season beforehand, this Durant news is bringing a new surge of optimism for next season.
The roster is going to look pretty different next year. Andrew Bogut and Harrison Barnes will be playing for the Dallas Mavericks.
Bogut was sent via trade to create cap space for the Durant signing, and Barnes has been relinquished by the Warriors after signing a max offer sheet from the Mavericks.
In essentially a swap of centers, the Warriors announced today that they have signed former Dallas Mavericks center Zaza Pachulia to a 1 year, $2.9 million contract.
Festus Ezeli has also been officially relinquished by the Warriors, and will become an unrestricted free agent.
The Warriors also announced that Shaun Livingston will be back for next season, spared from being a cap casualty in the Durant acquisition.
With still more time to build the roster, it’s looking like the Warriors are going to suit up a team consisting of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Durant, Draymond Green, Pachulia, Andre Iguodala, Livingston, Kevon Looney, Damian Jones, and Patrick McCaw.
Reports are also surfacing that the team is interested in re-signing Marreese Speights. Something very special is being built here in the Bay Area, so stay tuned.
Warriors World
Warriors Announce Decision to Retain Shaun Livingston
Kevin Durant to the Bay: Warriors Become Even Stronger
Andrew Bogut and Harrison Barnes Heading to the Dallas Mavericks
Kevin Durant Signs With Warriors
Local Media
CSN Bay Area: Warriors Looking to Re-Sign Speights
KGO-TV: Warriors Sign Durant
National Media
Yahoo Sports: Pachulia to Sign with Warriors
ESPN: Warriors Have Chance to be an All-Time Great Team With Durant
CBS Sports: Warriors Moving on From Ezeli