With the Detroit Pistons and their All-Star big man, Jalen Duren, remaining far apart in terms of negotiating a deal for him to remain on the roster, it looks like Duren could join a new NBA team. On Monday, Chris B. Haynes reported that Duren is planning to meet with the Sacramento Kings once free agency begins to work towards a sign-and-trade deal out of Detroit. That would be a huge move for all of the parties involved, as Duren was part of a Pistons
squad that finished at the top of the Eastern Conference, and many believed they might represent the East in the NBA Finals. However, they lost earlier than anticipated in the semifinals to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Meanwhile, it would also mean the Kings could land another All-Star player for their roster, which currently features three-time All-Star Domantas Sabonis. Despite having Sabonis, the Kings have struggled in recent seasons as the Western Conference has only become tougher. More news: Thunder Make Key Roster Decision After Failing to
Reach NBA Finals: Report The Kings finished at 22-60 and were nowhere near the postseason. In the NBA Draft, they selected standout Arkansas guard Darius Acuff Jr. at No. 7, and then acquired UConn forward Alex Karaban in a first-round draft trade. They also selected Houston guard Emanuel Sharp at No. 45 in the second round. Adding Duren would be a huge addition to their frontcourt as they contend with the likes of the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference.
Having a player who was among the league’s top six rebounders and top four players in field goal percentage could help many teams. It’s unlikely to lead to Sacramento reaching the postseason, but it’s definitely a roster upgrade. Duren became a first-time All-Star this past season, averaging a double-double of 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds per game with a 65% field goal percentage. This could also be a major setback for the Pistons, who rose to the top of the Eastern Conference behind Cade Cunningham’s
emergence as a major star and NBA MVP contender. Duren was clearly a major component of Detroit’s season and playoff run, so it will be interesting to see how they address losing a player of his caliber in free agency if the Kings move happens. Read more: Lakers Starter to Explore Free Agency Amid LeBron James’ Decision: Report For more about the NBA, head over to Newsweek Sports.
Jalen Duren, Detroit Pistons, Sacramento Kings, sign-and-trade, free agency, Domantas Sabonis, Cade Cunningham, Cleveland Cavaliers, NBA Draft, Darius Acuff Jr., Alex Karaban, Emanuel Sharp