OAKLAND, Calif. — Splash: Kevin Durant’s big move to the Golden State Warriors is done.
The Warriors formally announced the signing of the six-time All-Star selection on Thursday and introduced him with fanfare during a news conference at the team’s downtown Oakland practice facility, where screens read, “WELCOME KD TO DUB NATION.”
Durant said his meeting with the Warriors’ brass last Friday in the Hamptons — a contingent that also included the Splash Brothers of MVP Stephen Curry and All-Star Klay Thompson — had a “great vibe throughout the whole day.”
“It’s been hectic,” Durant said. “There’s a lot of attention that comes with being in this position. I felt as comfortable as I ever felt. … It was organic, it was authentic, it was real. It was a feeling I couldn’t ignore. … I’m just ready to play ball.”
Durant, a four-time scoring champion, stepped onto the podium to big cheers.
“I haven’t made the decision yet, but he might start,” NBA Coach of the Year Steve Kerr joked, sitting next to a smiling Durant.
Durant announced his decision Monday in a story on “The Players’ Tribune,” then Thursday marked the first day free agents could sign their deals. He joins the NBA runner-up Warriors — who rallied from 3-1 down to beat Durant’s former Oklahoma City Thunder in a thrilling seven-game Western Conference Finals before losing the finals in seven games to Cleveland — on a two-year contract worth more than $54 million. There is a player option after the first year.
“You never expect to get this much better,” Warriors general manager Bob Myers said. “… I’m just excited to watch you play. I’m honored you’re here, I’m honored you chose us.”
