There's been plenty of action this NBA offseason, with star players all across the league changing teams. Jimmy Butler was traded to the Timberwolves. Paul George is now on the Thunder. Chris Paul got dealt to the Rockets.
The biggest move of all, though, might be a player staying put. Kevin Durant signed a two-year, $51.25 million contract with the Golden State Warriors. He'll make $25 million this year, which was $9.5 million less than what he was eligible for, and $1.5 million less than he made last year. The second year includes a player option for $26.25 million.
Durant's pay cut comes just a few days after Steph Curry signed the richest contract in NBA history. It also follows Shaun Livingston and Andre Iguodala resigning with the team, as well.
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By offering the team a discount, Durant helps save the Warriors up to $25 million in salary and luxury tax money. They might not have been willing to bring either Iguodala or Livingston back if not for Durant's sacrifice.
On top of that, the amount Durant shaved off his contract is close to what the Warriors could offer a free agent using the mid-level exception. That gives Golden State the opportunity to add another piece to a championship-caliber team.
The team now has its top six players coming back and also signed Nick Young to a one-year deal. Durant's sacrifice makes Golden State an even bigger favorite to win a title during the 2017-18 season.
