The Sacramento Kings have been linked to Jalen Duren throughout the offseason, but according to The Athletic‘s Hunter Patterson, Detroit remains confident it will reach a long-term agreement with its restricted free agent despite stalled negotiations.
Joining Sactown Sports’ The Drive Guys, Patterson explained that while talks have slowed, there is still optimism that the Pistons and Duren will ultimately agree on a new contract.
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“I think they’ll end up getting a deal worked out,” Patterson said. “I think both parties understand that it’s in their best interest to try to ink out a deal to remain together long term.”
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 13: Jalen Duren #0 of the Detroit Pistons goes up for a slam dunk over Jonathan Kuminga #00 of the Golden State Warriors during the first half of an NBA preseason game at Chase Center on October 13, 2024 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) nba free agency
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 13: Jalen Duren #0 of the Detroit Pistons goes up for a slam dunk over Jonathan Kuminga #00 of the Golden State Warriors during the first half of an NBA preseason game at Chase Center on October 13, 2024 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
More on Jalen Duren
Jalen Duren is coming off a breakout 2025-26 campaign in which he earned his first All-Star selection and made the All-NBA Third Team after averaging 19.5 points, 10.5 rebounds and 2.0 assists while shooting 65 percent from the field.
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As a result, Detroit became the only team capable of offering him a five-year extension worth roughly $287 million.
According to Patterson, however, the negotiations have centered around balancing Duren’s outstanding regular season with a disappointing playoff showing.
“Some of the push and pull comes from Duren having an All-NBA year, and then during the postseason, numbers dropping exponentially,” Patterson said. “He didn’t, from what I know, get any max contract offers. I think numbers just in negotiations are not as close as they would like to be, but I think progress is being made.”
Over 14 playoff games, Duren averaged 10.2 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game while shooting 51 percent from the field–a 14 percent drop from his regular season mark.
The discussion also shifted to reports that Sacramento explored a sign-and-trade framework involving Domantas Sabonis.
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SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 07: Domantas Sabonis #10 of the Sacramento Kings shoots the ball against Jalen Duren #0 of the Detroit Pistons in the third quarter at Golden 1 Center on February 07, 2024 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 07: Domantas Sabonis #10 of the Sacramento Kings shoots the ball against Jalen Duren #0 of the Detroit Pistons in the third quarter at Golden 1 Center on February 07, 2024 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Over the past four seasons, Domantas Sabonis has averaged 19.0 points, 13.1 rebounds, and 7.0 assists per game while shooting just under 60 percent from the field and 38 percent from beyond the arc across 250 games. Sabonis, 30, has two seasons and $94 million remaining on his contract.
Despite Sabonis’ production, Patterson believes Detroit simply isn’t interested in moving away from its young franchise center.
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“I think they just see Duren as the preference long term,” Patterson said.
Patterson praised Sabonis’ skill set, noting that he believes the three-time All-Star would fit well alongside Cade Cunningham.
“Domas is a playmaking big. You can use him as the hub of the offense,” Patterson said. “He’s able to help alleviate pressure off of Cade offensively and offer another playmaker.”
Still, Detroit’s investment in Duren outweighs any potential fit with Sabonis.
“They have just so much invested in Duren already,” Patterson said. “They see that at 22 he’s had his challenges… but there’s just so much more upside for him.”
While the Kings may continue searching for frontcourt upgrades this offseason, recent reporting suggests that acquiring Jalen Duren remains unlikely as the Pistons work to keep one of their cornerstone players in Detroit.
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Be sure to check out the full interview with Hunter Patterson on the Sactown Sports YouTube page or the Sactown Sports app.
Listen to The Drive Guys from 2 – 6 p.m. PST, Monday through Friday, on Sactown Sports 1140.
More Sacramento Kings content from Sactown Sports
What is the next Sacramento Kings Offseason Event?
With Summer League in the rearview, the Sacramento Kings will head into the dog days of summer and the NBA offseason looking to stabilize its roster for the upcoming 2026-27 season.
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Will general manager Scott Perry make any more significant moves? How will this roster look come the start of training camp this fall?
Stay tuned into Sactown Sports all offseason long for Sacramento Kings updates, analysis, and much more.
Upcoming Sacramento Kings Offseason Schedule
August TBD – 2026-27 NBA Schedule release
Late September – NBA training camps begin
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