As the Sacramento Kings enter Darius Acuff Jr.’s rookie season, and reigning All-Rookie performer Maxime Raynaud’s second season, the franchise may look to add players to fit this younger timeline.
Earlier this week, I reported that Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren had been floated as a potential target for General Manager Scott Perry to look into.
Reports indicated that Duren and the Pistons were still far off on coming to an agreement on an extension, opening up the door for potential sign-and-trade opportunities.
Alongside the Kings, the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics were named as interested suitors for the 22-year-old big man.
But, since these original reports, both the Lakers and Celtics have seemingly shifted to alternative options at center, signing Walker Kessler and Mitchell Robinson respectively.
Duren, who earned an All-NBA Third Team selection last season, averaged 19.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game, posting an efficient 65.0-percent field goal percentage.
Rightfully so, the former Memphis Tiger is looking for a big payday, but after his postseason struggles, the Pistons’ front office seemingly don’t view him as a max player.
According to Senior NBA Insider Michael Scotto, Duren is seeking close to $40 million annually, or roughly 25 percent of the NBA’s salary cap for his new deal, but National NBA Insider & Reporter reported that Detroit does not want to exceed $35 million annually.
After early whispers of potential sign-and-trade interest from Detroit, those notions were seemingly put to rest as well.
However, Duren is a restricted free agent, meaning the Pistons could be put to the test by a team willing to shell out the big bucks for the All-NBA Third Team big man.
Not only do the Kings have the cap space to allocate a potential move for the budding star, but Duren would also fit the team’s timeline, while giving the defensively challenged backcourt of Acuff and newly resigned Zach LaVine some much needed help on the backend.
Duren would be a lethal pick-and-roll partner for Acuff, while helping the Kings get younger as a whole.
Of course, without moving Sabonis, this move seems unlikely, but the Kings have not ruled out the possibility of trading their longtime big man.
With the surprise moves made throughout this offseason, initial reports of Detroit being disinterested in receiving compensation for Duren could be null and void.
If a Sabonis-Duren centered package is the result, it could end up benefiting both teams, with the Pistons benefiting from Sabonis’ offensive-minded game.
Join the Community
Don’t miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news!
It’s completely free to join, simply by clicking the yellow button at the top of the homepage. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.
