NBA Rumor Increases Chance of Detroit Pistons & Sacramento Kings Trade for Jalen Duren Before Training Camp Opens
· Yahoo Sports
While a Jalen Duren trade from the Detroit Pistons to the Sacramento Kings was unrealistic all summer long, a new report opens the door to the deal happening before NBA training camps open in a couple of weeks.
Heading into the offseason, the Pistons All-Star was considered the top player available on the free agent market after a breakout season. However, there were two big problems if the center wanted to get a max contract. He was a restricted free agent, and he was coming off a terrible showing during the 2026 playoffs. Giving Detroit a lot of leverage in contract talks.
Visit goldparty.lat for more information.
The Pistons had the right to match any offer and turned down all discussions about a sign-and-trade to another team. Furthermore, reports claim the team is not interested in giving Duren a max deal. It has led to a months-long stalemate that is expected to get a resolution soon. While most believe the Pistons and Duren will finally find a middle ground, that may no longer be the case.
Jalen Duren ‘seriously considering’ qualifying offer contract for 2026-27
According to The Athletic’s Sam Amick and Hunter Patterson, sources say Duren is “very seriously considering” taking Detroit’s $9.6 million qualifying offer so he can play out the season and depart next summer as an unrestricted free agent. The NBA insiders note that taking the QO would clearly indicate “a relationship gone wrong” and force the Pistons to “consider trading him now rather than losing him for nothing later.”
Well, one team that would love to acquire Duren’s services is the Kings. They spoke with him at the start of free agency in July, but despite mutual interest, Detroit quickly declined conversations about a sign-and-trade. Well, they might be open to that dialogue now.
What could Detroit Pistons get from Sacramento Kings in a Jalen Duren trade?
Jan 25, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis (11) moves the ball up court in front of Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (0) during the first half at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Reginek-Imagn ImagesReports claim Kings general manager Scott Perry is a big fan of Duren, and he would be a top target again next summer as a centerpiece of his rebuild plans. If Detroit is under the impression the 23-year-old wants out and is planning a summer 2027 exit, they must move him. Doing it now would make more sense because it would be a very hard sell to fans to break up the core of a potential title contender before the trade deadline.
Based on what Duren is looking for (a deal that pays him $40 million or more annually), swapping him for Domantas Sabonis makes a ton of sense. While Detroit would take a hit defensively, the two-time All-Star is still a very good addition if healthy, and certainly improves their offense while giving them a top-notch rebounder.
However, since they are adding a much older player coming off a season-ending injury and have the leverage in talks, the Kings will have to add a first-round pick in the trade. Sabonis (who has two years left on his contract) and a first-rounder would be a solid return for a disgruntled Duren.
Related Headlines