Restricted free-agent centers Walker Kessler and Jalen Duren will begin meeting with interested clubs when NBA free agency opens Tuesday, according to multiple league reports.
Jazz center organizing sessions in Los Angeles
Reporter Tony Jones of The Athletic wrote on X that Kessler and his representatives have lined up meetings with several teams Tuesday evening at Creative Artists Agency’s headquarters in Los Angeles. The 23-year-old averaged 9.5 points, 8.4 rebounds and 2.7 blocks for the Utah Jazz last season and is considered one of the top defensive big men on the market.
Pistons big man explores sign-and-trade options
Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren, also 23, will meet with the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday afternoon with the goal of structuring a sign-and-trade deal out of Detroit, NBA insider Chris Haynes reported. In a separate post, Sam Amick of The Athletic added that Duren has arranged a call with the Los Angeles Lakers for the same day, signaling another potential sign-and-trade scenario.
Lakers monitoring both situations
Los Angeles has previously shown interest in both players as it looks to upgrade its frontcourt depth beyond Deandre Ayton and Jaxson Hayes. While the Lakers were not specifically named among Kessler’s scheduled meetings, league observers expect general manager Rob Pelinka’s group to at least explore an offer sheet for the 7-footer.
The Kings’ pursuit of Duren could involve former All-Star forward Domantas Sabonis, a package the Lakers may find difficult to match. However, Los Angeles still holds the option of extending a maximum offer sheet to Kessler or constructing its own sign-and-trade proposals.
Ayton exercises player option
One day before free agency, Ayton picked up his $8.1 million player option for the 2026-27 season. His guaranteed salary gives the Lakers another movable contract should they decide to include him in talks for Kessler, Duren or other targets.
Free agency opens Tuesday at 6 p.m. ET, when meetings and negotiations can become official.
Source: Lakers Nation
