The NBA is planning a players-only NBA 2K tournament that is expected to feature some of the league's sharpest video gamers, including Kevin Durant, and it will be broadcast on ESPN, league sources told Yahoo Sports.

The league hopes to launch the event Friday, with the 16-player tournament lasting 10 days. It is expected to include stars such as the Utah Jazz’s Donovan Mitchell, four-time All-Star DeMarcus Cousins and two-time All-Star Andre Drummond, among other big-name players, sources said.

With the sports landscape on pause due to the coronavirus pandemic and the federal government extending the social-distancing measure to at least April 30, the league has been forced to evaluate the safest way to bring basketball fans some action.

Players competing against their peers in the comfort of their own homes could offer a distraction for fans who are missing the game and a little competition.

The league is still finalizing some details of the tournament, sources said.

Los Angeles Lakers star Anthony Davis and Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo were the past two NBA 2K cover athletes.

The NBA is planning to try something a little different Friday. (Photo by Jeenah Moon/Getty Images) More

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