Central Division: Bulls may send Essengue to G League; Cavs resist trading Mobley; Pistons still working on Duren deal, stay patient with Holland
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Noa Essengue’s roster spot with the Chicago Bulls appears uncertain ahead of the 2025-26 season. The 19-year-old center, drafted 12th overall in 2025, must impress a new front office and head coach Tiago Splitter after missing almost all of last year with shoulder surgery. Splitter briefly benched Essengue during Las Vegas Summer League action, and team sources say coaches want the rookie to curb his emotions and play with greater force.
Splitter acknowledged the staff’s message: “He’s got to maybe bring a little more force in everything he does.” With a crowded frontcourt, Chicago is leaning toward opening Essengue’s season in the G League while he sharpens his skills and intensity.
Cavaliers keep Mobley off trade table
The Cleveland Cavaliers declined to include Evan Mobley in hypothetical packages for Giannis Antetokounmpo or Jaylen Brown—moves that might have enticed LeBron James to return—according to The Athletic. If Mobley, a former Defensive Player of the Year, doesn’t reach elite status soon, observers warn he could be blamed for Cleveland’s decision to pass on a transformative trade.
Pistons, Duren still apart on extension
Talks between the Detroit Pistons and restricted free agent center Jalen Duren have stretched beyond four weeks. Rival clubs can present a maximum four-year, $177 million offer sheet, but none emerged before leaguewide cap space dried up. Detroit’s proposal remains below Duren’s 25 percent maximum of five years and $239 million. Duren’s lone alternative is to sign the $9.6 million qualifying offer and test unrestricted free agency in 2027—an option no player has chosen over a near-max rookie extension, notes the Detroit Free Press.
Detroit still banking on Holland’s growth
The Pistons remain invested in forward Ron Holland despite limited minutes during his first two NBA seasons. The club hopes the 2024 first-round pick will improve both his three-point shooting and playmaking on drives. Detroit expects noticeable progress in his third campaign before committing to him long-term.
Source: Hoops Rumors
