dpThe Pistons and Jalen Duren remain far apart in their contract negotiations, according to NBA insider Chris Haynes, who reports (via Twitter) that the restricted free agent center intends to meet with the Kings at the start of free agency on Tuesday in the hopes of working out a sign-and-trade deal.
We first heard on Friday that talks between Duren and the Pistons had stalled after the big man was “underwhelmed” by the team’s initial offer. At that time, Sam Amick of The Athletic stated that the 22-year-old intended to explore sign-and-trade scenarios once free agency opened, but Haynes said the Pistons were still conveying that they were “solely” focused on working out a new deal with Duren.
Three days later, it’s Haynes who’s hearing that Duren is serious about looking into the possibility of a sign-and-trade that could get him to a new home on the kind of lucrative long-term contract he wants.
Duren is coming off a very strong regular season — he made his first All-Star team and averaged 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds in 70 games while shooting 65% from the field. The 22-year-old received votes for Defensive Player of the Year and, crucially, earned third-team All-NBA honors, which made him eligible for a “Rose Rule” contract with the Pistons, who can offer him up to 30% of the salary cap instead of the usual 25%.
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Questions emerged in the playoffs, however, as Duren’s averages slipped to 10.2 PPG and 8.5 RPG over the course of two seven-game series against Orlando and Cleveland. He was particularly ineffective against the Cavs, with the Pistons turning multiple times to veteran big man Paul Reed in his place.
Reports in recent days have indicated that Duren is seeking either a maximum-salary contract or at least $40MM annually.
The Kings aren’t in a great position to accommodate a sign-and-trade deal for a player earning a significant salary, but they could make it work if they can get below the first tax apron. The team has already agreed to trade Devin Carter and his $5.2MM salary to Atlanta, and could create over $22MM in savings by waiving and stretching DeMar DeRozan‘s contract, which includes a $10MM partial guaranteed on a $25.7MM cap hit.
According to Amick (Twitter link), a sign-and-trade scenario involving Duren would likely involve Kings center Domantas Sabonis, though it remains to be seen how enthusiastic the Pistons would be about that scenario. Without the cap room necessarily to sign Duren to an offer sheet, the Kings or any other team interested in landing him would need to offer up a trade package that would satisfy Detroit.
