The Sacramento Kings remain in the hunt for Pistons All-NBA big man Jalen Duren. Negotiations have stalled in Detroit, meaning a move could be imminent.
With the Sacramento Kings having a relatively quiet offseason, the team is positioned to go after a high profile free agent in 2027.
Zach LaVine's $49 million contract will be up, while veteran players like DeMar DeRozan will officially be off Sacramento's books.
Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren remains a primary target for the Kings, as the reigning All-NBA third team big man remains in a contract standoff.
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.
With negotiations continuing to stall, it seems more likely that Duren will play out this year on a smaller qualifying offer and seek a payday next offseason.
But, a sign-and-trade could be on the table as well, especially if the Pistons continue to sever their relationship with Duren.
On Thursday, ClutchPoints' Brett Siegel named the Kings and Milwaukee Bucks as the two teams leading the hunt for Duren.
Siegel noted the Kings' prior trade offer centered around Domantas Sabonis, which the Pistons declined earlier this offseason, saying that Detroit was "not interested" in trading Duren.
However, with no common ground being found, the Pistons may want to get a return on Duren before risking losing him next offseason.
For Sacramento, adding Duren would allow the Kings to lock down their guard-big duo for the foreseeable future, giving rookie point guard Darius Acuff Jr. a dangerous lob threat.
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.
The Athletic's Sam Amick noted the potential fit for Duren in Sacramento, naming Acuff as a potential attraction.
"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 in mid-September.
Acuff would provide a similar level of playmaking ability as Duren's current point guard Cade Cunningham, while giving the Kings a clear 1-2 punch to build around.
