The Detroit Pistons have yet to sign Jalen Duren to a new contract. Each passing day complicates the negotiations, increasing the likelihood of a Duren departure. Whether it's the threat of playing on his qualifying offer or simply forcing his way out by demanding to be signed-and-traded, the odds of Duren playing elsewhere next season are higher than they were at the start of free agency.
If the Pistons are actually unwilling to give Duren what he is looking for and there is a chance he could just play on his qualifying offer, a sign-and-trade would be the best option for both sides. This would be a big mistake by the Pistons, as they wouldn't have a way to replace their All-NBA center, but if they are okay with playing hardball to this degree with Duren, they need to at least explore trade opportunities.
Even at this point in the offseason, Duren should still have plenty of suitors on the market. There are still teams that desperately need a center and want a young star to build around. If any of them is willing to give up a package similar to what the Lakers gave up for their sign-and-trade with restricted free agent Walker Kessler (two first-round picks and two pick swaps), then the Pistons would be wise to sit at the negotiating table.
Brooklyn Nets
After trading Nic Claxton to the Bulls, the Nets have a massive hole at center, as Day'Ron Sharpe is the only center on their roster.
Brooklyn wants to take a massive step forward next season. Not only because they have been in the lottery for three straight seasons, but also because they don't control their first-round pick in the 2027 NBA Draft. They have very little incentive to tank, so giving up some assets to acquire Duren and build a Julius Randle-Michael Porter Jr.-Duren frontcourt will seem appealing.
This sign-and-trade could also be constructed around Michael Porter Jr., a sharpshooter the Pistons could have interest in.
Sacramento Kings
The Kings have the bleakest future in the entire NBA. They have a dearth of young stars and future assets, so they feel a need to swing big for a young star. They are hoping that Darius Acuff Jr. will help them get out of the dregs of the Western Conference in the future, so the idea of pairing him with Duren will be attractive.
There have been reports of Sacramento's interest in Duren this summer. He even met with the Kings, but the talks didn't go anywhere because the Pistons have been shutting down all trade talks. If negotiations between Duren and Detroit reach a point of no return, the Kings will likely emerge as a top suitor. A deal built around Domantas Sabonis and draft capital would probably be the most likely return in such a trade.
New Orleans Pelicans
No team is as desperate for a center as the Pelicans. They had one of the worst big man rotations in the league last season and have done nothing to address it this summer. They are counting on Derik Queen to step up into a starting center role in his second season, but it's clear that his best NBA position will be the power forward.
The Pelicans also need to swing big to give their fans some hope for the future. Interestingly enough, they have an asset the Pistons have been coveting for a while: Trey Murphy III.
A trade can be constructed around a Murphy-for-Duren swap. In this scenario, the Pistons would get a talented young forward who fits the team perfectly without giving up any of their draft capital. They would have to find a starting center to replace Duren, but if he is a flight risk already, getting Murphy for him would at least alleviate the pain a little.
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