Kevin Durant on Playing 2021 NBA All-Star Game: 'I Don't Care Either Way'

Brooklyn Nets superstar Kevin Durant said Friday he's not concerned about whether the NBA decides to move forward with the 2021 All-Star Game in Atlanta on March 7 amid the coronavirus pandemic.

"It is what it is. We don't have no control over it," Durant told ESPN's Rachel Nichols (via Mark Medina of USA Today). "I don't care either way."

On Feb. 4, Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James called the idea of holding the All-Star Game during the five-day midseason break (March 5-10) "pretty much kind of a slap in the face."

"I have zero energy and zero excitement about an All-Star Game this year," James told reporters. "I don't even understand why we're having an All-Star Game."

Several of the league's other high-profile players, including two-time reigning MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, took a stand alongside James.

"We've got to all follow the big dog," Antetokounmpo said one day later. "The big dog says he has zero excitement and zero energy for the All-Star Game, and I'm the same way. I really right now don't care about the All-Star Game. We cannot see our families."

So far the NBA hasn't backed off its plans to hold the exhibition showcase, though.

Sam Amick of The Athletic reported the league is concerned its "middle class," players without the notoriety of LeBron or Giannis, and staff members would suffer a major hit if it didn't hold the All-Star Game. That's a group of players who have already been struck hard by the financial impact of the pandemic.

Those who participate in the game would fly to Atlanta by the afternoon of March 6, be restricted to their hotel room or State Farm Arena and then fly out Sunday night after the game. All of their travel will be private to limit potential exposure to COVID-19 before heading back to their teams, per Amick.

Durant ranked second behind James when the second round of All-Star voting was announced Thursday, suggesting both players will be asked to compete in Atlanta next month.

It remains unclear whether the NBA will allow those selected to opt out without facing punishment.