Kevin Durant's injury could improve Warriors' chances of keeping star

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Kevin Durant's injury was a devastating blow to the NBA landscape.

When the Warriors star ruptured his Achilles in Game 5 of the NBA Finals, the outlook for the free agent market and next season changed drastically.

It has been expected that Durant would leave the Warriors after this season, with the New York Knicks, Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Clippers in hot pursuit.

However, Durant's injury and lengthy rehab process could change things.

While it always was a possibility for the two-time NBA Finals MVP to stay in Golden State, NBC Sports Bay Area Warriors Insider Monte Poole said on the NBC Sports NBA Draft Preview Show that the injury helps the Warriors' chances of re-signing him, although he expects all the usual suspects to pursue KD regardless of the injury.

[RELATED: Kerr reflects on KD's injury, decision to let him play]

The Warriors also will need to find a way to fill out their roster for next season, especially with Durant and Klay Thompson (torn ACL) both suffering severe injuries before hitting the free-agent market. That quest to find depth begins Thursday night at the NBA draft where the Dubs own the Nos. 28, 41 and 58 picks.

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