Kevin Durant expressed interest in a potential 1-on-1 tournament during NBA All-Star Weekend, calling it a possible “solution” to improve the event. The Phoenix Suns forward acknowledged that the league has already introduced changes, such as this year’s All-Star Championship format, and remains open to new ideas.
Durant’s comments came after the conclusion of the 2025 NBA All-Star Championship, which featured a four-team single-elimination tournament instead of the traditional All-Star Game. Speaking to reporters, he credited NBA commissioner Adam Silver and the league for “pushing the envelope” and exploring ways to make the weekend more exciting.
“You never know,” Durant said, per Duane Rankin. “We never thought we’d see a tournament in an All-Star weekend, either. Anything is up in the air.” He added that the league is actively working to “reignite” interest in the annual showcase.
The 2025 All-Star event, hosted by the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center, was the first held in San Francisco and the fourth time the franchise has hosted the game. It was also the last All-Star event televised by TNT, with coverage set to return to NBC next season.
This year’s format saw 24 All-Stars divided into three teams drafted by Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley, and Kenny Smith, with a fourth team led by Candace Parker’s Rising Stars Challenge winners. The tournament featured two semifinals before the final, where Team Shaq’s OGs defeated Team Chuck’s Global Stars.
Durant, who played under O’Neal, finished scoreless in just over six minutes of action. His team, however, dominated the final behind Stephen Curry’s 12 points, securing the win and earning him All-Star MVP honors.
While the revamped format introduced a competitive edge, Durant believes a 1-on-1 tournament could further elevate the event. The concept has long been a topic of debate among players and fans, with many advocating for a contest showcasing pure skill and individual talent.
A potential tournament structure remains unclear, but the idea of superstars facing off in head-to-head matchups could generate significant interest. Durant, known for his isolation scoring ability, would likely be a strong contender if he chose to participate.
The league has made multiple efforts to boost engagement during All-Star Weekend, including changes to the Skills Challenge and adjustments to the Elam Ending in previous years. The success of the new tournament format could encourage further innovation moving forward.
