Pistons Turn Down This Kings’ Trade Offer For Jalen Duren

July 16, 2026 - 23:19

The Detroit Pistons and their young center Jalen Duren remain stuck in a contract standoff as the restricted free agent market slows to a crawl. According to league sources, the Sacramento Kings recently tested Detroit's resolve with a trade offer for Duren, but the Pistons quickly turned it down.

Duren, who averaged 8.9 points and 9.5 rebounds last season while shooting over 60 percent from the field, is seeking a significant pay raise after his rookie deal expired. The Kings, looking to add frontcourt depth alongside Domantas Sabonis, proposed a package centered around a future first-round pick and a young player. However, Detroit's front office views Duren as a core piece of their rebuild and was not interested in moving him for what they considered a modest return.

The 20-year-old center has shown flashes of elite rebounding and rim protection, but his inconsistent free-throw shooting and occasional defensive lapses have given the Pistons pause in offering a max or near-max extension. With training camp approaching, both sides are running out of time to reach a deal. If no agreement is reached, Duren could sign a one-year qualifying offer and become an unrestricted free agent next summer, putting pressure on Detroit to either pay up or risk losing him for nothing.