Jalen Duren and the Detroit Pistons remain at a contract impasse with the two sides unable to reach an agreement.

Duren is a restricted free agent and reportedly turned down a five-year, $200 million deal. The Pistons signed Ausar Thompson to a five-year, $155 million deal. Duren believes he’s on a similar level as Amen Thompson, who signed a five-year, $208 million deal with the Houston Rockets.

The Sacramento Kings have reportedly emerged as a suitor for Duren, and now the Milwaukee Bucks have reportedly had an eye on the All-Star center.

According to Sam Amick of The Athletic, the Bucks and another team, along with the Kings, have “serious interest” in Duren, both now and potentially next summer.

It’s possible Duren signs his qualifying offer with the Pistons, which would make him an unrestricted free agent next offseason.

The Bucks can offer Myles Turner, who signed a four-year, $108.9 million deal last offseason with the team, but his value is at its lowest after his performance last season.

The draft picks would be the key here, and the Bucks don’t have any tradeable picks until 2031, when they have their own and Miami’s first-round pick.

How many first-round picks is Duren worth to Milwaukee? They would have five tradeable firsts between 2031 and 2033. Would they be willing to trade more draft capital and continue to mortgage their future for Duren?

He’s only 22 years old; he will turn 23 in November and is coming off a season where he averaged 19.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, and two assists on 65% shooting. He’s also one of the better defensive centers in the league.

Enough draft picks would make it worthwhile for the Pistons, but should the Bucks commit that many draft picks and that much money to Duren?

He had a rough playoffs against the Orlando Magic and Cleveland Cavaliers, but there is plenty of room for growth and reason for optimism. He is not defined by one playoff run, especially at 22 years old.

He could grow with a young core that includes Ryan Rollins, Nate Ament, and Brayden Burries, but that would be Milwaukee putting a lot of trust into those four and no draft picks to fall back on if they don’t pan out.

Maybe Milwaukee is bold enough to make such a move after having to trade away Giannis Antetokounmpo, but they better be sure if they go for it.