Steve Kerr Compares Kevin Durant to Tim Duncan for Warriors Contract Pay Cut

Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr praised superstar Kevin Durant on Monday for taking a pay cut to help keep the championship-winning team together.

When asked about Durant's selflessness, Kerr compared it to something Tim Duncan would do at times during his career with the San Antonio Spurs, according to Anthony Slater of the Mercury News:

"I knew he was going to give up enough money to allow us to keep Andre [Iguodala] and Shaun [Livingston]. I didn't know he was going to go beyond that. A remarkable gesture. I told him it reminded me a little bit of Tim Duncan and his time with the Spurs. He made max money and then at key times in his career he took a little less so they could add a player here and there. The way the league works, the way the CBA works, it really kind of is up to the star player at key times to take a little haircut here and there. Whether that's fair or not, I don't know. But I do know that Tim knew it was dramatically helping his own career and KD understands the same thing. In the end, he's going to make a fortune in his career. Already has and he hopefully is going to win more titles and that's what he cares about."

Per the Associated Press (h/t ESPN.com), Durant could have made $36 million during the upcoming season had he signed a max deal, but he settled for $25 million.

Durant can opt out next season and then sign a max contract now that Golden State has managed to keep Iguodala and Livingston in the fold.

While there was some concern regarding how Durant would fit on a team full of stars, he transitioned seamlessly from the Oklahoma City Thunder to the Dubs.

Durant averaged 25.1 points per game during the regular season and won the NBA Finals MVP award at the conclusion of a playoff campaign that saw him put up 28.5 points per contest.

The Warriors have now reached three consecutive NBA Finals and won two of the past three.

Barring significant injuries, the Warriors are built to vie for more championships due to the presence of Durant, Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, Iguodala and others.

Duncan won five championships during his illustrious career, and he was often surrounded by other stars, such as David Robinson, Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili and Kawhi Leonard.

By virtue of taking less money up front, Durant has helped foster a similar atmosphere with the Warriors.