Kevin Durant declines Warriors player option, will become unrestricted free agent

In a move that was widely expected, Kevin Durant has declined his player option for the 2019-20 season.

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski first reported that Durant declined the option, which would have paid him $31.5M next year. League sources later confirmed the news to The Chronicle's Connor Letourneau.

This means it is a near-certainty he will sign a multi-year max contract with the Warriors or some other team in the coming weeks, despite likely missing the entirety of the next season with an Achilles injury.

"Durant and his business manager Rich Kleiman are in New York, evaluating free agency options," Wojnarowski reported. "So far, process has stayed private."

RELATED: Andre Iguodala says he's been in contact with Kevin Durant, trolls Knicks fans about free agency

Free agents can begin negotiating with teams on June 30, and the Warriors can offer Durant a max contract of five years and $221 million. Other teams can only offer Durant a max contract of four years and $164 million.

Read more from The Chronicle.

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