NBA Rumors: Kevin Durant's Injury Could Alter Plans For Knicks, Warriors, Nets In 2019 Free Agency

When Kevin Durant left Game 5 of the 2019 NBA Finals with an apparent ruptured Achilles, it raised a few important questions that will have ripple effects across the league. Those questions go well beyond the series between the Golden State Warriors and Toronto Raptors, and the answers could alter the landscape of basketball for years to come.

Durant’s impending free agency has hovered over the entire season. He’s largely been expected to leave the NBA for a team that hasn’t won a title in decades, or at all, potentially ending one dynasty and creating a new contender in the process.

All of that is in doubt now that reports indicate Durant suffered an injury that could force him to miss all of next season and prevent him from ever being the same player again.

The New York Knicks had been the favorites to sign Durant. The Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Clippers were considered real candidates to land him. Signing a max contract with the Warriors or opting into the final year of his deal was an option, as well.

Does any of that change with Durant’s injury? Will teams still be willing to commit close to $200 million to a player that might not return until he’s 32 years old and coming off a serious injury.

There seem to be conflicting opinions regarding what the events of Monday night mean for Durant’s future.

There’s increased speculation that Durant will pick up his player option for the 2019-2020 season, guaranteeing himself a $31.5 million salary with Golden State while he presumably rehabs. SNY’s Ian Begley noted that it would be surprising for the Knicks to offer Durant a contract coming off a ruptured Achilles unless the deal is heavily protected for injury.

The Knicks can sign two free agents to max contracts this summer. Will they now shift their focus to Kawhi Leonard? Leonard is expected to prioritize the Raptors and Clippers but reportedly could consider New York. The team also finds itself in pursuit of Anthony Davis, whom they hoped could potentially play in the frontcourt with Durant.

Rumors that Kyrie Irving plans to sign with Brooklyn had increased speculation that Durant might join the point guard with the Nets. Will Brooklyn want to sign Durant if he has to sit out a whole year?

Durant was arguably the best player in the world before he got hurt. That’s why many believe he will still get a four-year max contract offer in free agency, despite the devastating injury.

ESPN’s Brian Windhorst noted on “First Take” Tuesday morning that he doesn’t think Durant’s injury makes him more likely to stay in Golden State. ESPN’s Bobby Marks said on “Get Up” that league executives told him they would offer an injured Durant a max contract.

No matter what Durant decides, his likely absence next season could affect what other star free agents choose to do.

Free agency officially begins in fewer than 20 days.