Most Likely Free Agent Destinations for Kevin Durant Following MRI Results of Ruptured Achilles

Cover Photo: Getty Images

Kevin Durant delivered a gutsy 11-point performance in the first quarter of Game 5 of the NBA Finals, but sadly went down holding his Achilles midway through the second quarter of that game. NBA fans were robbed of what could've been a classic duel between Durant and Kawhi Leonard, but that doesn't mean we can't theorize where KD will end up next season.

Unfortunately, the NBA could be without Durant for quite some time now, as he officially revealed on his Instagram that he has ruptured his Achilles and had surgery today. That's a devastating injury that will not only keep Durant out of the 2019 NBA Finals, but will likely cause him to miss all of the 2019-20 season as well.

Despite the injury, Durant will certainly still be one of the most coveted players in free agency this offseason, and whether or not he remains in Golden State is anyone's guess. With that in mind, here are the three likeliest free agent destinations for Durant following his Achilles injury.

3. Brooklyn Nets

The Brooklyn Nets traded Allen Crabbe, the No. 17 pick and a 2020 first-round pick to the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for Taurean Prince. The trade cleared $18 million in cap space, which Brooklyn can use in free agency this summer. Clearly, the Nets are up to something. While they've been most commonly linked to Kyrie Irving, it wouldn't exactly be a shock to see Brooklyn make a run at Durant as well.

2. New York Knicks

The rumors connecting Durant to the New York Knicks have been circulating for quite some time. While this injury will likely throw a bit of a wrench into things, the Knicks are almost certainly still willing to offer Durant a max contract and they have the cap space to do so. Expect the Knicks to pursue Durant this summer, despite the ruptured Achilles, and build a team for the 2021 season with Durant at the helm.

1. Golden State Warriors

Before the injury, most NBA analysts seemed to think this was Durant's final season with the Golden State Warriors. However, an injury as severe as this could have a serious impact on Durant's decision. It's tough to imagine Durant's three-year run with the Warriors ending on this sour of a note, and it wouldn't be a shock to see him ultimately remaining with the team during his rehab from the Achilles injury.

Join FanDuel Sportsbook Today. New users get a risk-free bet up to $500. Join Now.

Max Staley is not a FanDuel employee. In addition to providing DFS gameplay advice, Max Staley also participates in DFS contests on FanDuel using his personal account, username mstaley1212. While the strategies and player selections recommended in his articles are his personal views, he may deploy different strategies and player selections when entering contests with his personal account. The views expressed in their articles are the author's alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of FanDuel.