Report: Warriors will renounce rights to Ezeli to accommodate Durant signing
The Golden State Warriors will renounce the rights to center Festus Ezeli in the wake of Kevin Durant's decision to join the Warriors, sources tell ESPN's Marc Spears.
The Warriors extended a qualifying offer to the Nigerian center at the outset of free agency to retain the right to match any prospective offer sheet.
However, with Durant joining the team on a reported two-year deal at $26 million per season, the Warriors needed to open up cap flexibility. Ezeli is now reportedly set to become an unrestricted free agent.
The Warriors drafted Ezeli with the 30th pick in 2012. He saw limited time until this season when he averaged seven points and 5.6 rebounds in 16.7 minutes per game, and even drew 13 starts when Andrew Bogut was injured. He's an effective rim protector and a capable finisher around the basket.
Injuries, however, continue to plague Ezeli. He's only played 46 games in each of the past two seasons due to leg problems.