With contract negotiations stalling, the Sacramento Kings could be in play to make a move for Jalen Duren. Duren is coming off an All-NBA Third Team designation, and could fit the team's timeline alongside Darius Acuff Jr.
The Sacramento Kings were one of the more quiet NBA teams this offseason, but this could be by design.
With the departures of players like DeMar DeRozan, Russell Westbrook, and Devin Carter, the team has moved beneath the second apron, and freed up significant cap space for next season.
Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren has been one player linked to the Kings, with his negotiations continuing to stall with Detroit.
On Saturday, The Athletic's Sam Amick reported that the All-NBA third team big man could be drawn to Sacramento by one of the team's newest acquisitions.
"Duren is known to be eyeing the Sacramento Kings as a desirable destination where he could thrive alongside Darius Acuff Jr. as an established building block," Amick said.
Acuff, who has been hailed as the Kings' lead guard of the future, would provide a similar level of playmaking ability as Duren's current point guard Cade Cunningham.
Duren excels in the pick-and-roll game, finishing high at the rim on alley-oops and pocket passes.
Last season, Duren averaged 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds per game, appearing in 70 games for the Pistons.
Availability has been a big benefit for Duren, as he has played in 61 or more games in each of his four NBA seasons.
The Kings aren't in huge need of added talent in the front court, but a Duren-Domantas Sabonis centered swap could help both parties.
Duren is stronger on the defensive side of the ball, while being less injury prone and of course, only 22 years old.
While Sabonis would give Detroit a much-needed boost of offensive versatility.
If contract extension talks continue to stall, it seems more likely that Duren will play out the final year of his rookie deal this upcoming season, which opens the door for a potential avenue to Sac Town.
Senior NBA writer Marc J. Spears reported that Duren has a relationship with General Manager Scott Perry, and likes the idea of potentially teaming up with Acuff.
Perry has done well to use his past connections to land talent as of late, with Acuff being the most recent example.
During Perry's collegiate coaching days, he coached Acuff's father at Eastern Kentucky.
As the reports began to surface about the Kings' interest in Acuff, this relationship began to take form in private workouts and Acuff's camp naming Sacramento as his preferred destination.
Early on, the Kings will likely want to see how Sabonis and second-year man Maxime Raynaud fit alongside the returning core and Acuff.
But, if Duren's relationship with Detroit continues to waver, the Kings could be the team to make a move.
