Jalen Duren lines up meetings with Kings, Lakers as contract impasse with Pistons continues
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Restricted free agent center Jalen Duren will sit down with the Sacramento Kings when the NBA free-agency period opens Tuesday, league sources told Chris Haynes. Later that evening, the 22-year-old is expected to hold a separate conversation with the Los Angeles Lakers, according to Sam Amick of The Athletic.
Detroit’s front office and Duren remain “far apart” in contract talks, multiple outlets report. The Pistons have the right to match any offer sheet but have yet to bridge the gap with the All-Star, who is believed to be targeting roughly $40 million per season — and potentially a full maximum deal.
Because neither Sacramento nor Los Angeles projects to have sufficient salary-cap space to sign Duren outright, any move to either Western Conference contender would likely require a sign-and-trade agreement. Amick noted that an early concept with the Kings has centered on All-NBA big man Domantas Sabonis, though no framework is considered imminent.
Duren earned his first All-Star berth and All-NBA Third Team honors last season after averaging 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds. His production dipped in the postseason, adding uncertainty to negotiations over the length and value of his next contract.
Detroit has maintained that retaining Duren is a priority and can match any external offer, but the former first-round pick appears determined to explore the market before committing to a new deal.
Source: Hoops Wire
