Restricted free agent center Jalen Duren plans to test sign-and-trade possibilities when the NBA market opens on June 30 after contract discussions with the Detroit Pistons hit an impasse, according to The Athletic’s Sam Amick.
League sources told Amick that Detroit’s opening proposal fell well below Duren’s expectations, creating a “sizable gap” and prompting the 22-year-old to explore alternatives. A sign-and-trade is viewed as more realistic than an offer sheet because few clubs project to have the necessary cap space, and those that do may hesitate to risk an offer the Pistons could match.
Regular-Season Success, Playoff Drop-Off
Duren is coming off a breakout year in which he averaged 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds over 70 games while shooting 65 percent from the field. He earned his first All-Star nod, received Defensive Player of the Year votes and was named to the All-NBA Third Team, making him eligible for a “Rose Rule” extension worth up to 30 percent of the 2026-27 salary cap.
His postseason numbers dipped to 10.2 points and 8.5 rebounds across two seven-game rounds against Orlando and Cleveland. Detroit repeatedly turned to veteran Paul Reed during the series with the Cavaliers, raising questions about Duren’s playoff impact.
Roster, Trade and Free-Agency Implications
The Pistons have already agreed to send fellow big man Isaiah Stewart to Memphis, heightening the importance of Duren’s situation. Detroit’s front office, led by head of basketball operations Trajan Langdon, has also been linked to guard and wing upgrades as it seeks additional scoring and playmaking around Cade Cunningham.
Austin Reaves is expected to re-sign with the Lakers, but Amick reports Detroit has shown interest in potential trade targets Jaylen Brown, Kawhi Leonard and Tyler Herro. Marc Stein and Jake Fischer note Leonard is now considered unlikely because he is unwilling to commit to an extension with the Pistons.
Langdon said last week that keeping Duren remains a priority, though negotiations have yet to gain traction. Both sides still have time to bridge the divide if no viable sign-and-trade materializes.
Source: Hoops Rumors
