How Durant's Injury Puts Lakers' Anthony Davis Chase At Risk, Favors Celtics

Kevin Durant suffered an Achilles injury during Game 5 of the NBA Finals on Monday night in what was his first appearance in over a month. It was a devastating blow for the player and Golden State Warriors, who trail Toronto Raptors 3-2 going into Game 6 of the finals.

The Warriors small forward’s injury, as devastating as it was for his team, has had a massive effect on the upcoming NBA free agency. The prospect of Durant missing the entire 2019-20 season has changed the landscape of the offseason and put in disarray the plans of a number of teams but it could also benefit teams, mainly Boston Celtics, while the Los Angeles Lakers could be at risk.

Durant was expected to leave the Warriors this summer with New York Knicks touted as his potential destination. Multiple reports also suggested that the Warriors forward will team up with Kyrie Irving in New York or most recently it was claimed that the Boston Celtics point guard is trying to recruit Durant to join him in Brooklyn and play for the Nets.

But the Achilles injury could see Durant change his mind and take up the $31.5 million player option and remain with the Warriors until he enters free agency next summer. That could see Irving decide not to leave Celtics, as joining Nets without another star will not be an improvement from his current situation.

The Celtics are keen to retain Irving and he could either commit his long-term future or agree a shorter deal and assess his options next year. The prospect of the point guard staying could also improve the Boston franchise’s chances in their chase for Anthony Davis, who is available via a trade this summer.

Celtics general manager Danny Ainge could be willing to sacrifice a part of their young core and a big chunk of their 2019 and future draft picks for the New Orleans Pelicans forward. An offer that will be difficult to match for any other franchise – including the favorites in the Davis race, Lakers.

The Irving-Davis partnership will certainly make the Celtics one of the top contenders from the Eastern Conference, especially if the Raptors lose Kawhi Leonard and Philadelphia lose Jimmy Butler during free agency.