With free agency approaching, league insiders expect top restricted centers Jalen Duren and Walker Kessler to remain with their current teams, according to conversations summarized by ESPN’s Tim Bontemps.
Duren poised for near-max payday
After earning All-NBA Third Team honors and finishing second in Most Improved Player voting, Detroit’s Jalen Duren is viewed as a candidate for a contract approaching $40 million annually. One Eastern Conference executive said the Pistons would likely match outside offers. Duren’s postseason dip may cost him a full maximum deal, but the consensus is that Detroit will secure the 22-year-old center.
Jazz expected to retain Kessler
Utah added Jaren Jackson Jr. during the season, yet rival executives believe Walker Kessler remains central to the franchise’s plans. Estimates place his next contract in the $25–30 million range per year, and scouts see few realistic suitors capable of prying him away.
Lakers, Reaves eye $40 million range
Sources do not anticipate the Lakers giving guard Austin Reaves his five-year, $239 million maximum. However, executives expect Los Angeles to offer roughly $40 million annually. Reaves is said to prefer staying in L.A., while the cap-rich Brooklyn Nets are identified as a team to watch.
Dosunmu likely to stay in Minnesota
League figures project Timberwolves guard Ayo Dosunmu to re-sign for slightly more than the $15 million non-taxpayer mid-level exception. Minnesota may need to move injured guard Donte DiVincenzo to manage tax and apron concerns.
Knicks favored to keep Robinson and Shamet
Rival scouts doubt New York will lose unrestricted free agents Mitchell Robinson and Landry Shamet, particularly if the Knicks capture the championship. Both veterans are viewed as two-year contract candidates because the club is expected to operate above the second tax apron.
Interest building in Portland’s Robert Williams
Trail Blazers center Robert Williams, coming off his healthiest season in years, is projected to command a starting salary between $10 million and $15 million. Executives remain wary of his injury history but consider him strong value if he stays on the floor.
Nuggets anticipated to pay Watson
Despite recurring hamstring issues, restricted free-agent wing Peyton Watson is expected to land a Denver offer worth $20–25 million annually. To offset a potential tax bill, the Nuggets could explore moving Cameron Johnson or Christian Braun, sources said.
The free-agency negotiation period opens this summer.
Source: Hoops Rumors
