Hawks Should Avoid Jalen Duren Sign-and-Trade Despite Reported Interest

The Atlanta Hawks have entered the chat for the Jalen Duren sweepstakes as the Detroit Pistons center missed media day and recently expressed displeasure with the franchise.

Atlanta has expressed interest in a possible sign-and-trade for Duren, according to ESPN's Marc J. Spears, who spoke with an NBA executive. While the Hawks have the draft capital and pieces to pull off a deal, it may not be the best long-term move for the franchise.

Thursday, Oct. 1, is the deadline for Duren to accept his one-year, $9.6 million qualifying offer, although the Pistons reportedly offered him $200 million. Reports indicate that the center was unhappy with the offer.

Here are a few reasons Atlanta should avoid pursuing a sign-and-trade.

The Hawks are entering the season with the potential to field a strong defense, but one question surrounding the team is perimeter shooting. Guard Dyson Daniels and guard/forward Luguentz Dort have both struggled to shoot consistently from 3-point range.

Adding Duren would give Atlanta a younger frontcourt, but it could create additional spacing problems. He did not attempt a 3-pointer last season, which could be problematic for a team that wants to create room for its playmakers.

Atlanta wants to space the floor and play inside-out. Adding the Pistons big man could work against that style.

Center Onyeka Okongwu shot 37.6 percent from 3-point range.

Okongwu also averaged 15.2 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 3.1 assists while shooting 48.0 percent from the field. Both players are the same height, but Duren carries roughly 10 more pounds and provides more physicality inside.

Duren would give the Hawks another young player to build around, but the cost could interfere with what the franchise is trying to accomplish.

General manager Onsi Saleh, along with the rest of the front office, has emphasized building through the draft, developing talent, and maintaining financial flexibility.

Forward Jalen Johnson is the only player on the roster making at least $30 million annually. Keeping the rest of the roster below that threshold gives Atlanta more flexibility moving forward.

According to reports, Duren was unhappy with Detroit's $200 million offer and felt disrespected by it. If Atlanta has to go