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Golden State Warriors: Kevin Durant’s injury reportedly affected his FA decision

By Tony Pesta

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 23: Kevin Durant #7 of the Brooklyn Nets reacts during the second half of their game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Barclays Center on October 23, 2019 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 23: Kevin Durant #7 of the Brooklyn Nets reacts during the second half of their game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Barclays Center on October 23, 2019 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) /
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Kevin Durant knew he was leaving the Golden State Warriors months in advance but his Achilles injury may have affected where he ended up.

Even for a two-time Finals MVP, tearing your Achilles at age 31 years of age can cost you some opportunities in free agency. According to Ian Begley of SNY, the New York Knicks believe they would have been able to sign Kevin Durant this summer had he not gone down in the 2019 NBA Finals with the Golden State Warriors.

Shortly before free agency began, Rachel Nichols reported that the Knicks were not prepared to offer Durant a max deal due to his injury. If he hadn’t already ruled out the NYK before this point, KD certainly did after hearing this.

Besides, Durant seemed to be poised to join the Brooklyn Nets regardless. Steve Kerr stated on “The Full 48” Podcast that he was not surprised in the slightest that Durant left in free agency and many players feel the same way.

Kyrie Irving and Durant had made it their goal to team up in free agency sometime in February. Howard Beck reported that the two had narrowed their options down to the Knicks and Brooklyn Nets, with the Knicks earning little consideration in the long run.

To be blunt, this is because of one simple fact: The Knicks are a trainwreck. Few teams in the league have been more poorly run in recent years and the front office is in deep waters with the fan base. The Knicks gave no reason for two superstars to feel confident in signing with their organization.

Meanwhile, the Nets had been doing everything right. They built a strong young core and reached the postseason the year prior. It was a no-brainer for KD and Irving to join this franchise.

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In all honesty, it seems there was no chance of Durant joining the Knicks to begin with. This report feels like nothing more than a member of the Knicks attempting to revise history and make their franchise look more appealing than it truly is.

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