Jalen Duren Could End Up With Kings in 2027 Based on Recent Buzz

The Sacramento Kings have had a solid offseason, which has included younger players progressing as well as a few additions such as rookie guard Darius Acuff Jr. as well as veteran forward and center Ben Simmons, however, there could be another addition made.

On that note, there has been some recent buzz surrounding Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren and the possibility that he could join the Kings at some point over the next year.

At this point, Duren is looking for a contract extension worth at least $200 million, according to Sam Amick and Hunter Patterson of The Athletic, but as of now, the Pistons' latest offer was for five years and $190 million.

With that said, it seems that Duren and the Pistons are not on the same page so it will be interesting to see how this situation develops.

Getting back to the Kings, it seems that there is mutual interest between Sacramento and Duren reportedly, however Detroit has refused to enter sign and trade talks with the Kings at the moment.

While Sacramento is not able to acquire Duren now, it is possible for them to sign him to a max contract next offseason as both Amick and Patterson noted Sacramento has the ability to make room for the money on his contract.

In terms of what Duren could sign for, he is actually eligible for $287 million over five years, but it appears that the Pistons have not come anywhere near that number which is very interesting considering the consistent strides that Duren has made in Detroit.

In 2025, Duren was solid as he averaged 19.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, two assists, 0.8 steals, and 0.8 blocks per game. Additionally, Duren was quite efficient as he shot 65 percent from the floor and 74.7 percent from the free-throw line.

On the interior, the Kings have center Domantas Sabonis signed for this year and next year, so it is worth wondering if Sacramento would move Sabonis either in a sign-and-trade for Duren if the two sides do engage in talks or if they would trade Sabonis elsewhere to make room for Duren in the starting lineup.

Based on reports, it seems the Kings do view Duren as a clear max player and are Duren's preferred destination should he leave Detroit, which makes it seem like there may be a real possibility that the center could end up in Sacramento heading into next offseason as an unrestricted free agent.

One key reason Duren may want to play for the Kings is the opportunity to play next to a great young guard like Acuff, who could help maximize Duren's athleticism and ability to finish around the rim.

While Duren and the Pistons have not reached a deal yet, he could sign a short-term deal with a player or a team option for the time being, which may then make him an unrestricted free agent next offseason. Duren has also not reported to Detroit's minicamp in August, which does not bode well for negotiations.

Regardless of what happens in the present between Duren and the Pistons, it seems very likely that he is on his way out of Detroit, and if he is, Duren could very well sign with the Kings and potentially add even more young talent to an up-and-coming roster.