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Brooklyn Nets superstar Kevin Durant is arguably the biggest name in the NBA that has recently been added to the league's rapidly growing list of players under the health and safety protocols. KD has been playing some of the best basketball of his career this season but right now, he's in line to miss Brooklyn's highly-anticipated Christmas Day matchup against LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers.
It is now being reported, however, that the NBA and the NBPA are closing in on a major revision on the league's COVID-19 protocols that could have a significant impact on Durant's status moving forward. According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, the NBA is on the verge of reducing the mandatory quarantine period for players who test positive for COVID-19:
The NBA and National Basketball Players Association are near an agreement to reduce the 10-day quarantine periods for COVID-positive players, sources told ESPN on Thursday.
The arrangement — expected to soon be shared with teams — could return some players to active play in six days, based on testing procedures, sources said.
Woj also reports that the NBA “has been following the guidance of both league and union infectious disease specialists.” Moreover, they are also making sure that they get as much information as possible by “studying recent research in the UK and elsewhere.”
It is worth noting that Kevin Durant was placed under COVID protocols on December 18th. If the quarantine period is reduced to just six days then this would mean that the Nets superstar could be eligible to return by Christmas Day, assuming that he tests negative, of course.
The Lakers have likewise been decimated by the spread of the virus within their ranks and this rule change will certainly have a significant impact for them not only for their Christmas Day bout but for the immediate future as well — as with any other team in the NBA.
Durant is just one of a myriad of players that have been placed under COVID protocols. There are 10 marquee matchups scheduled for Christmas Day and the superstars that are in line to miss one of the most highly-awaited slates throughout the season also include Kyrie Irving, Trae Young, and Luka Doncic. Giannis Antetokounmpo entered protocols on December 14 and he should be able to clear his 10-day quarantine period in time for Christmas.
