How the Kings Could Re-Enter the Jalen Duren Conversation

The Sacramento Kings have had a long, grueling offseason, to the point where some fans might've forgotten that there were conversations about their serious interest in Detroit Pistons free agent Jalen Duren. The All-NBA big man is still a restricted free agent, and while the expectation has been that he will simply return to Detroit, could things change?

The Kings' interest in Duren was quickly thrown away when the Pistons made it clear they would not entertain sign-and-trade talks. Now, their contract negotiations continue to drag on, and there is a path to the Kings getting involved again. ESPN's Tim MacMahon reported that their negotiations have gotten "nasty."

"But the biggest question I have got about the Pistons is: What is going to be the lingering cloud when this whole Jalen Duren situation gets finalized or at least temporarily settled? Is he going to sign an extension? I don't know. But this has been an awfully nasty negotiation, and so I have got real concerns there," MacMahon said on the Hoop Collective podcast.

The negotiations between the Pistons and Jalen Duren have been “awfully nasty” and there is concern about his long-term future in Detroit, per @BannedMacMahon

“Sometimes these negotiations when they are ugly like this can have long-lasting consequences.”… pic.twitter.com/GbXMxlE7Z0
— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) August 21, 2026

"Sometimes these negotiations, when they are ugly like this, can have long-lasting consequences," he finished.

While MacMahon does not mention a potential sign-and-trade or any other team getting involved, we could see this impact Duren's future with the Pistons. Does he sign the qualifying offer to become an unrestricted free agent next summer, when the Kings would have much more cap space to make a move for him? That is exactly what the Kings should be monitoring right now.

A 2027 Jalen Duren push?

It would be otherworldly shocking if the Kings were able to push for a sign-and-trade this offseason still. However, we should all have our eyes on the 2027 offseason.

Dec 23, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (0) drives to the basket against Sacramento Kings center Maxime Raynaud (42) during the second quarter at Golden 1 Center. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

This situation is likely to hurt Duren's relationship with Detroit, and even if he signs a long-term extension with the Pistons, he could be on his toes about a potential trade demand in the near future. And if he chooses to go with the qualifying offer, half the teams around the NBA will be ready to jump on him as a free agent next summer and pay him what the Pistons won't.

Duren, 22, made both All-Star and All-NBA appearances as a fourth-year big man in Detroit, averaging 19.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.6 stocks per game while shooting 65% from the field. Slotting Duren into the Kings' new-look young core alongside star rookie Darius Acuff Jr. would immediately change the outlook of this franchise and give the fanbase much more hope.

Next offseason, the Kings will have Zach LaVine's $49 million and De'Andre Hunter's $24.9 million contracts off the books, with Domantas Sabonis's $48.6 million on the trade block. The Kings should have money to spend next offseason, and if Duren is available, we could see them go all-in.

The Kings have already registered interest in Duren, even meeting with him during their free agency negotiations. That relationship could matter if Duren ends up having the freedom to determine his own future. While we should not expect anything before training camp, we can monitor his situation and keep the Kings in the conversation.

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