With each passing day without an agreement on a new contract between the Detroit Pistons and Jalen Duren, speculation about potential sign-and-trade scenarios gets louder. With only a month left before training camp, social media is abuzz with Duren rumors. This is understandable, as he is by far the best player among the remaining free agents.
Whether the Pistons are any closer to trading Duren, however, is unclear. The recent reports reveal that the tensions are growing between the two sides as negotiations have turned ugly over the last several weeks. Does that mean that the Pistons are more likely to entertain sign-and-trade offers?
We have heard no indication that this is the case. The Pistons want to bring Duren back despite their lowball offers. Could there be a team that makes such a strong offer that the Pistons have to consider? Is there a scenario in which the Pistons actually get better by trading Duren for another star?
It is certainly possible, but the trade packages currently being discussed on social media don't serve that purpose.
Jalen Duren-for-Darius Garland trade would be a big mistake for the Pistons
One of the more popular trade scenarios is centered around Darius Garland of the LA Clippers. Grant Hughes of The Bleacher Report identified the Clippers as a landing spot for Duren and said that a Garland-for-Duren trade may be "worth exploring" for the Pistons.
This generated some positive responses on social media. This is partly due to the growing frustrations around Duren. Turning Duren into an All-Star guard like Garland seems enticing on paper, but it would be a big mistake.
Why some would think that adding Garland is a good idea is understandable. The Pistons need more shooting, ball-handling, and shot creation next to Cade Cunningham. Garland is a very good offensive player who can run the pick-and-roll, hit shots off the dribble, and play both on and off the ball. He would be a solid fit next to Cade offensively.
Garland's effectiveness in the playoffs, however, is a big question. He is undersized and underathletic. His playoff track record has been very underwhelming so far. He has consistently struggled against elite, physical defenses.
Moreover, the 26-year-old point guard has been dealing with toe issues over the last year. He missed 37 games last season, was on a minutes restriction, and didn't play in back-to-backs. There would be a big risk associated with acquiring Garland and paying him $43 million on average over the next two seasons.
It's not like the Pistons have a good way to replace Duren. Say they turn Duren into Garland. What will they do at center? Sure, Paul Reed's minutes can increase, and he can play around 25 minutes per game. How are the Pistons filling the rest of the minutes at center?
That is a major downgrade at center. The Pistons would need to make further moves to add another capable center. Garland is too small, injury-prone, and unproven in the playoffs to justify such a sweeping shake-up for the Pistons.
Perhaps there are trades that the Pistons can make that can keep them as contenders without Duren. This scenario involving Garland, however, is not one of them.
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