TITLE: Trade Talks Hit Rockets, Knicks Land Andre Drummond, Pistons Work on Jalen Duren Extension
SLUG: nba-free-agency-rockets-durant-knicks-drummond-pistons-duren
CONTENT:
NBA free agency continues to generate movement and speculation, with the Houston Rockets fielding trade inquiries for Kevin Durant and Alperen Şengün, the New York Knicks shoring up their frontcourt with Andre Drummond, and the Detroit Pistons negotiating a long-term deal with Jalen Duren.
Rockets
League sources told Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints that multiple clubs contacted Houston about a possible trade centered on Durant and Şengün. One three-team concept would have sent Durant to the Pistons, Şengün to the Boston Celtics and Jaylen Brown to the Rockets before Brown was ultimately dealt to the Philadelphia 76ers. Houston reportedly showed no interest, and talks stalled.
Detroit later explored a direct Durant acquisition, but those discussions also failed to advance. While the 35-year-old forward is not considered completely off-limits, there is no indication the Rockets intend to move him before next season.
Knicks
The Knicks have reached a one-year agreement with veteran center Andre Drummond for the veteran minimum, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype. Drummond, 32, averaged 6.4 points and 8.4 rebounds in 19.5 minutes over 63 games with the Philadelphia 76ers last season and connected on 35.6 percent of his three-point attempts.
New York turned to Drummond after losing starting center Mitchell Robinson to the rival Celtics and reserve big man Ariel Hukporti in free agency. Though Drummond does not offer Robinson’s shot-blocking or mobility, his rebounding should relieve starter Karl-Anthony Towns while keeping the Knicks under the second tax apron.
Pistons
Detroit’s front office is focused on securing a contract extension for 22-year-old center Jalen Duren. Siegel reports that Duren’s representatives believe his All-NBA appearance justifies a maximum deal, while the Pistons prefer a figure closer to an average of $35 million per season.
The club can offer up to five years and $287 million, whereas any rival suitor is limited to four years and roughly $177 million—and no team currently possesses the cap space to reach that level. Despite holding leverage, Detroit views Duren as a key piece alongside guard Cade Cunningham.
Source: Hoops Wire
