Kevin Durant Says He Will Sign With Golden State Warriors

NBA superstar Kevin Durant has elected to join the Golden State Warriors, following a period of free agency.

The former Oklahoma City Thunder forward announced that he intends to sign with Steph Curry, Klay Thompson and the rest of the 2016 NBA finalists in a Monday post on The Players’ Tribune.

“The primary mandate I had for myself in making this decision was to have it based on the potential for my growth as a player — as that has always steered me in the right direction,” he wrote. “But I am also at a point in my life where it is of equal importance to find an opportunity that encourages my evolution as a man: moving out of my comfort zone to a new city and community which offers the greatest potential for my contribution and personal growth. With this in mind, I have decided that I am going to join the Golden State Warriors.”

It is expected to be a two-year, $54.3 million deal with a player option for the second year, according to ESPN.

The decision comes as a shock to many, as it was widely speculated that Durant would choose to return to the Thunder — the organization he has played for since being drafted as the No. 2 overall pick in 2007. The 2014 MVP has played in seven all-star games, been named a First Team All-NBA player five times and has the third highest career scoring average in NBA history.