Contract discussions between the Detroit Pistons and restricted free agent center Jalen Duren remain largely stalled, league sources told reporter Marc Stein.
According to the report, Detroit has shown “only modest progress” toward a new agreement with the 22-year-old big man and is refusing to explore sign-and-trade scenarios. Team officials have repeatedly labeled re-signing Duren as their top offseason priority after adding John Collins, Isaiah Joe, Gary Harris and Taurean Prince.
No other club currently has the salary-cap space to extend Duren a competitive offer sheet. If negotiations continue to drag, the center could accept his $9.6 million qualifying offer—which stays on the table until October 1—to hit unrestricted free agency next summer. Doing so would pay him well below market value for 2026-27 and carries significant risk.
Duren is eligible for a 25 percent maximum contract starting at $41.24 million next season and worth roughly $239.19 million over five years, but Detroit is pushing for a more team-friendly figure.
Lakers’ high price for Kessler tied to promises to Doncic
Stein reports that the Los Angeles Lakers met with Duren early in free agency but always prioritized Walker Kessler. Los Angeles surrendered unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033, plus pick swaps in 2028 and 2030, in a sign-and-trade that delivered Kessler a four-year, $130 million contract.
Sources said the Lakers were willing to overpay because they gave up only one first-rounder (2029) when acquiring Luka Doncic from Dallas in February 2025. Team executives had promised Doncic a premier center since last summer and believe Kessler will be the best frontcourt partner of his career. Speaking to Golf Channel while attending the British Open on Sunday, Doncic said, “I think we have a really good team. I’m very excited to start a new season. Obviously last season didn’t end how we wanted, so I’m very excited for the new one.”
Lakers evaluated Ziaire Williams before minimum deal
Lakers president Rob Pelinka, senior advisor Kurt Rambis and assistant coaches Nate McMillan and Greg St. Jean watched Ziaire Williams work out privately in Las Vegas before signing him to a one-year minimum contract, finalized Sunday. The staff wanted an in-person look at Williams’ overall development and three-point improvement.
Why Oklahoma City moved Lu Dort
Financial savings were not the only consideration in the Oklahoma City Thunder’s decision to trade Luguentz Dort to Atlanta on Sunday, Stein writes. A chart from Sportico’s Lev Akabas showed the Thunder performed significantly better in the Western Conference finals against San Antonio when Dort was off the floor, influencing the front office’s choice.
Detroit’s talks with Duren, Los Angeles’ aggressive pursuit of Kessler and Oklahoma City’s backcourt shuffle continue to shape the NBA’s 2026 offseason as clubs position themselves for the coming campaign.
Source: Hoops Rumors
