Kevin Durant's future just became pretty bleak.
Warriors GM Bob Myers announced that the All-Star forward has an Achilles injury and will undergo an MRI on Tuesday to find out the severity. According to ESPN's Ramona Shelburne, the Warriors believe that the MRI will confirm an Achilles tendon tear.
Myers certainly appeared to be devastated by the injury following the Warriors' Game 5 victory. The GM struggled to keep his emotions in check, breaking down into tears and placing the blame on himself for the injury.
"He was cleared to play tonight. That was a collaborative decision," he said. "I don't believe there's anybody to blame. I understand this world, if you have to, you can blame me. I run our basketball operations."
"It's an Achilles injury."
- NBA TV (@NBATV) June 11, 2019
Bob Myers shares the news of KD's injury. pic.twitter.com/tdQmNYDVka
Durant also posted on his Instagram story that he was hurting "deep in the soul" after the game. He had scored 11 points in 12 minutes before he went down again, grabbing his Achilles.
ESPN's Brian Windhorst said afterwards that Durant's agent was "white as a ghost." Windhorst also added "the entire NBA just changed tonight."
From a Knicks perspective, it could play a role in his impending free agency this summer.
Durant, 30, has long been expected to opt out of his contract with the Warriors to try to score a max deal with another team this summer, but he could also opt back in for another year with the Warriors at $31.5 million and take his time with his recovery to show he is fully healthy before testing the free agency waters.
This could especially be an attractive option for Durant if teams become reluctant to give him a max deal following his Achilles injury.
Of course, the Knicks -- or any other team -- could still be willing to take that chance on Durant while he spends time rehabbing from his injury. Although there could be concerns if he is indeed the same player.
Durant had not played since May 8 when he sustained a right calf strain against the Rockets. Monday was his first game back and when he went down again his injury resonated throughout the NBA and sports world, with many players showing their support for the Warriors forward.
Knicks guard Allonzo Trier, who became friendly with Durant as a high school player in Oklahoma, was among those who tweeted his support for someone who could potentially be a future teammate next season.
Praying for you brother! @KDTrey5
- Allonzo Trier (@ISO_ZO) June 11, 2019