It was a huge second day of free agency. While the Warriors were sitting back waiting on Kevin Durant, a few very crucial pieces of news came their way.
One was that the Los Angeles Clippers have decided to re-sign Austin Rivers, first reported by the Vertical. This essentially removed them from the Durant sweepstakes because they were going to have to renounce their rights to all their free agents as well as find a trade partner for J.J. Redick to realistically afford to sign Durant.
Clippers signing of Austin Rivers effectively means they're out of the Kevin Durant sweepstakes, unless they're… https://t.co/cKIkarKxlj
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) July 3, 2016
All this came after Durant was reportedly “blown away” by the Clippers’ pitch. Maybe the reports were exaggerated.
The same day that Durant met with the Boston Celtics, the Celtics did some work on the side and signed Al Horford for 4 years and $113 million, as reported to Ramona Shelburne. They still have room for another max contract. Could this persuade Durant to don the Celtic green next season?
Al Horford's four-year, $113 million deal with the Celtics includes a player option after the third year,… https://t.co/1kPJQ5OBf5
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) July 3, 2016
Marc Stein also reported that Harrison Barnes is going to be given a 4 year, $95 million offer sheet from the Dallas Mavericks. If the Warriors can’t land Durant, will they match that offer?
ESPN sources say that the Mavericks intend to sign Warriors restricted free agent Harrison Barnes to a four-year max offer sheet on July 7
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) July 2, 2016
Free agency is always an exciting time of the year. As Durant nears his decision, other players realize that his choice indirectly impacts their career as well.
Warriors World
Warriors Anxiously Wait for Kevin Durant to Make a Decision
Warriors’ Summer League Roster Announced
Local Media
Golden State of Mind: Kevin Durant First Option, Harrison Barnes Second Option
Golden State of Mind: Harrison Barnes Gets Max Deal from Dallas Mavericks
NOLA.com: Alvin Gentry Building the Pelicans to Look Like Warriors
National Media
ESPN: Kevin Durant Nearing a Decision
Bleacher Report: Al Horford to Sign with Boston Celtics
Yahoo Sports: Austin Rivers Re-Signs with the Los Angeles Clippers
ABC News: Should the Golden State Warriors Let Harrison Barnes Walk No Matter What?