Warriors Rumors: Kevin Durant Leaving Golden State In 2019 Free Agency, According To One Player

There’s been speculation for months that the 2018-2019 NBA season would be Kevin Durant’s final year with the Golden State Warriors. After his latest confrontation with Draymond Green, members of the team seem to be feeling the same way.

In a verbal spat that started in the huddle and continued in the locker room after Golden State’s loss to the Los Angeles Clippers Monday, Green reportedly brought up Durant’s impending free agency. Following a one-game suspension for Green that was imposed by the team, one veteran Warrior told The Athletic’s Marcus Thompson that Durant is headed elsewhere next season.

“With what was said, there is already no way Durant is coming back,” one player said. “The only hope is that they can say this summer, ‘See, KD. We’ve got your back. We protected you from Draymond.’ ”

Without Green or an injured Stephen Curry, Golden State beat the Atlanta Hawks 110-103 Tuesday night. Durant led the way with 29 points in 37 minutes. He was in no mood to discuss the drama with Green after the game.

The Warriors have been virtually unbeatable since Durant signed with Golden State as a free agent in the summer of 2016. They’ve won back-to-back championships with a 32-6 record in the playoffs. Durant won the NBA Finals MVP award to cap off each title run,

In the summer of 2017, Curry signed a five-year contract with the Warriors. Durant has declined to make a long-term commitment to the team. He’s making $30 million this year with a player option for $31.5 million in the 2019-2020 season.

The New York Knicks and Los Angeles Clippers are considered to be the top suitors for Durant in free agency.