With NBA free agency underway, one restricted free agent is drawing a ton of interest: the Detroit Pistons’ All-Star center, Jalen Duren. Reportedly, Duren and the Pistons are at an impasse in negotiations.
However, the Pistons’ ability to match any offer sheet and their reluctance to lose him in sign-and-trade packages mean they still hold all the cards in the Duren sweepstakes.
This spells bad news for the Sacramento Kings, according to recent reports from The Athletic.
Pistons Not Interested In Duren Sign And Trade Package Involving Kings Center
According to a recent article by Sam Amick of The Athletic, Duren would prefer a path out of Detroit due to the contractual stand-off and has scheduled meetings on Tuesday with the Kings and the Los Angeles Lakers.
However, the Kings’ three-time All-Star Domantas Sabonis is of no interest to the Pistons in a setback for Sacramento.
Per Amick: “Duren, as The Athletic has reported, is a restricted free agent who is taking meetings with the Los Angeles Lakers and Sacramento Kings on Tuesday with the hopes of finding a sign-and-trade pathway out of town.”
“The gap in negotiations between Duren and the Pistons sparked this strategy, but it remains possible the two sides eventually strike a deal…”
“Detroit does not have interest in the Kings’ scenario, which would send three-time All-Star Domantas Sabonis their way as a replacement for Duren, according to league sources who spoke on condition of anonymity to describe ongoing deliberations.”
The Kings are looking for a young marquee name to kick-start their rebuild; meanwhile, Luka Dončić of the Lakers is looking for an elite pick-and-roll partner at center, and with LeBron James moving elsewhere in free agency, they now have the cap space to acquire him.
Duren would therefore fit the bill in both instances.
However, according to Dave McMenamin’s ESPN article, don’t expect the Pistons to entertain any sign-and-trade offers as they have every intention of signing him.
“The Pistons, however, say they are not interested in any sign-and-trade deals for Duren and will match any potential offer sheet he signs.”
The Pistons still hold the cards on Duren, who had a sensational All-Star season for them, averaging 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds while shooting 65%.
With their feelings clear that they wish to match any potential offer sheet and turn down a Sabonis trade with the Kings, all signs point to Duren and the Pistons eventually striking a deal, barring a late change of heart.
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