Detroit Pistons star center Jalen Duren has been one of the bigger names being mentioned in the restricted free agent market. Despite poor performances in the playoffs (10.2 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 2.1 APG, 1.2 BPG), Duren was eligible for a massive contract extension, earning him upwards of $40 million annually. Unfortunately, the big man and the Pistons may not be on the same page.
Last week, several sources reported that the Pistons’ extension offer for Jalen Duren was far below expectations, leading to some degree of disappointment on behalf of the big man. This immediately gave rise to rumors that he wanted to facilitate an exit from Detroit. With that in mind, however, a recent update suggests that two teams may be on the radar as landing spots.
NBA insider Chris Haynes first reported that Duren is expected to engage in discussions with the Sacramento Kings to work out a potential sign-and-trade deal. He shared:
“BREAKING: Due to sizable distance apart in negotiations, Detroit Pistons restricted free agent center Jalen Duren will meet with the Sacramento Kings at the start of free agency with the intentions of structuring a sign-and-trade out of Detroit.”
The Athletic’s Sam Amick also built upon this. While noting Domantas Sabonis‘ wishes to part with the Kings, Amick added:
“League sources say the Kings are scheduled to meet with Duren at the start of free agency on Tuesday. The key here, per sources, is that Sacramento plans to pitch the Pistons on an offer that includes three-time All-Star center Domantas Sabonis heading to Detroit.”
According to Amick, Duren has shown a genuine interest in playing for the Sacramento Kings, and there appears to be mutual interest from Sabonis to play for the Pistons. Thus, with Jalen Duren set to meet with the Kings once free agency begins on Tuesday, it will be intriguing to see how these talks progress.
Aside from the Kings, however, Amick also expressed that the Los Angeles Lakers could return to the fray as a potential landing spot for Duren, noting:
“More intel on Jalen Duren coming in: League sources tell @TheAthletic he now has a call with the Lakers scheduled for tomorrow. Another sign-and-trade scenario emerges…”
The Purple and Gold were viewed as one of the major suitors for the Pistons’ center this offseason. In alignment with Luka Doncic’s demands for an athletic big man, Los Angeles had displayed an inclination to acquire Duren. Unfortunately, at the time, Detroit shut the door on the Lakers, effectively communicating that Duren would not be available in discussions.
However, with the situation taking a sharp turn, it appears that Duren is taking a more proactive approach by engaging in talks with the Lakers. While this is promising, as ESPN’s Dave McMenamin shared, some factors could sway any move.
“Detroit Pistons restricted free agent center Jalen Duren has a planned call with the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday, a league source confirmed to ESPN (@sam_amick first),” McMenamin tweeted. “However, Detroit thus far is uninterested in pursuing a sign and trade with their All-Star big man, sources said.”
By virtue of his restricted free agent status, Duren has very little leverage when it comes to facilitating any moves this offseason. Thus, even though Jalen Duren is free to negotiate with any team he chooses, the decision to move him ultimately lies with Detroit.
Hence, Duren’s approach could be viewed favorably by franchises like the Kings and the Lakers, but it wouldn’t yield much benefit unless they can convince the Pistons to part with him. Given how challenging this could be, it is more likely for this stalemate to continue.
