Kevin Durant isn’t interested in being automatically taken off the floor simply because he’s getting older.
The Houston Rockets are considering managing Durant’s workload during the 2026-27 season, but the 20-year NBA veteran made it clear during media day that he doesn’t necessarily agree with the plan.
“Why?” Durant asked when reporters brought up the possibility of Rockets coach Ime Udoka and general manager Rafael Stone reducing his minutes.
Then KD explained his position.
“I’m better on the court. The team is better when I’m on the court,” Durant said.
Durant did acknowledge that there could be situations where playing fewer minutes makes sense.
If Houston has a game under control after three quarters, for example, he’s fine with getting some extra rest.
But he doesn’t want his minutes reduced simply because of his age or because of the workload he carried last season.
“If the game needs me to be out there, I want to be out there,” Durant said.
And the numbers explain why Houston is considering the conversation in the first place.
Durant played 78 regular-season games last season and averaged 36.4 minutes per game, ranking among the NBA leaders in playing time. He also averaged 26.0 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.8 assists, while shooting 41.3% from three-point range.
The concern became more significant after Durant suffered an injury during Houston’s first-round playoff series against the Los Angeles Lakers and appeared in only one of the six games.
Now, the Rockets appear to be looking at the bigger picture: keeping their veteran superstar healthy for the entire season.
Durant, meanwhile, isn’t asking for special treatment.
He wants to play.
And if the Rockets need him on the floor, KD made it clear that he wants to be there.
The 2026-27 season is already setting up an interesting conversation in Houston: How much should the Rockets manage Durant’s minutes—and how much should they simply let one of the greatest scorers in NBA history hoop?
