HOUSTON — Entering his 20th NBA season, Kevin Durant has reportedly rejected the increasingly common suggestion that he should begin reducing his workload, explaining that basketball remains available and therefore must continue being played.
Durant, who has spent two decades responding to questions about his minutes by playing more minutes, reportedly looked confused when informed that veteran stars are sometimes expected to conserve energy.
“For what?” Durant asked. “More basketball later?”
Team officials have discussed keeping the veteran fresh throughout the season, though sources say negotiations broke down once Durant learned that “load management” occasionally involves not participating in basketball.
Coaches are now exploring alternative strategies, including shorter practices, lighter shootarounds and simply not telling Durant what time the gym opens.
Durant has reportedly countered each proposal by arriving 45 minutes earlier.
The 20-year veteran also dismissed concerns about age, noting that jump shots have not yet developed a mandatory retirement date.
Houston staffers remain optimistic they can manage his workload responsibly.
Durant, meanwhile, has asked whether the NBA would consider extending games to six quarters.
Officials declined.
