Jalen Duren Schedules Free-Agency Talks With Kings and Lakers
jalen-duren-schedules-free-agency-talks-with-kings-and-lakers
DETROIT — Restricted free agent center Jalen Duren plans to open free agency on Tuesday by speaking with the Sacramento Kings about a potential sign-and-trade and later holding a separate call with the Los Angeles Lakers, according to multiple league sources.
Chris Haynes reported at 5:29 p.m. ET that negotiations between Duren and the Detroit Pistons remain wide apart, prompting the 22-year-old to pursue a deal that could move him to Sacramento. Roughly an hour later, Sam Amick added that Duren has also set a Tuesday evening conversation with the Lakers once the market officially opens at 6:00 p.m. ET.
Contract gap with Detroit
Talks first stalled last Friday when Duren was reportedly disappointed with Detroit’s initial offer. While the Pistons have publicly emphasized their intention to re-sign him, Haynes now says the center is “serious” about surveying sign-and-trade scenarios that would net the long-term, high-dollar contract he wants.
Duren is eligible for a “Rose Rule” extension worth up to 30 percent of the 2026-27 salary cap after earning third-team All-NBA honors this season. Recent reports indicate he is seeking either a full maximum salary or at least $40 million annually.
All-Star season followed by uneven playoffs
The former lottery pick averaged 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds on 65 percent shooting during 70 regular-season games, earning his first All-Star selection and receiving Defensive Player of the Year votes. His production dipped to 10.2 points and 8.5 rebounds across two seven-game playoff series against Orlando and Cleveland, leading coach Monty Williams to lean at times on veteran Paul Reed.
How Sacramento could make room
The Kings lack the cap space to sign Duren outright, so any acquisition would require a trade that keeps them below the first tax apron. Sacramento has already agreed to send guard Devin Carter and his $5.2 million salary to Atlanta and could open roughly $22 million more by waiving and stretching DeMar DeRozan, whose contract carries a $10 million partial guarantee on a $25.7 million cap hit.
Amick reports that a potential package could feature All-Star big man Domantas Sabonis going to Detroit, though it is unclear whether the Pistons would accept that framework. Any team without sufficient cap room, including the Lakers, would likewise need to craft a trade proposal satisfactory to Detroit.
Free agency begins Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. ET.
Source: Hoops Rumors
