The Sacramento Kings hav floated Domantas Sabonis as a trade target this offseason, but will likely start the season with the three-time NBA All-Star. Could the team be keeping an eye on Jalen Duren's situation for next year?
Throughout the offseason, the Sacramento Kings were linked to various young, free agent talents, including Jonathan Kuminga and Jalen Duren.
Duren, who is coming off of an All-NBA Third Team season with the Detroit Pistons, has seemingly come to a stall in contract negotiations with his current team.
On Monday, ESPN Senior Insider Shams Charania reported on the ongoing Duren saga, noting that the Pistons have offered him a 5-year deal worth $200 million.
A $40 million annual salary was thought to be the asking price from Duren and the main reason for the standoff, but the deal remains on the table.
"For him [Duren], it's been all about respect," Charania said. "For the team, it's just been all about business.
Charania noted Detroit's initial offer nearly one year ago, which presented Duren with a rather low $20 million salary and likely began these "disrespected" feelings.
The story continued to develop this week, as Pistons forward Ausar Thompson got his payday, signing a 5-year $155 million rookie-scale extension.
With Detroit prioritizing other young players, Duren playing out the year on a qualifying offer and seeking his big contract next offseason continues to become more-likely.
The Kings are hoping for this outcome, giving them the opportunity to potentially pursue the budding star in the 2027 offseason.
Last Tuesday, The Athletic's Sam Amick named Sacramento as a destination Duren is at least interested in.
"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.
Having Acuff and Duren growing alongside each other throughout their NBA careers could be special, as both players excel in two-man action.
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 is a double-double machine, while serving as one of the best lob threats on pick-and-rolls.
Last season, Duren averaged 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds per game, appearing in 70 games.
Availability has also been a big benefit for Duren, as he has played in 61 or more games in each of his four NBA seasons.
A recent three-team trade, presented by Kings fan David Johnson on X, would send Kings big man Domantas Sabonis and two future first-round picks to the Brooklyn Nets, while the Pistons would acquire Michael Porter Jr. and Maxime Raynaud.
Sacramento would receive Jalen Duren, Duncan Robinson, and two second-round picks.
This deal would allow the Kings to bring in their guard-center pairing of the future, while also shedding the lucrative and expiring contract from Sabonis.
The Pistons would get some much-needed offensive help, and get to move forward with Sabonis on an expiring deal.
But, it remains to be seen if Detroit will cater to the reigning All-NBA big man or take the chance that he leaves next offseason.
