As contract negotiations stall between the Detroit Pistons and Jalen Duren, there is growing uncertainty regarding his long-term future with the team.
So far, it looks like both sides are heading towards a divorce, with new details emerging amid the negotiations.
According to The Athletic, Duren has distanced himself from the team this summer, not attending two major team events ahead of the new season.
"It speaks volumes that Duren has chosen to keep his distance from his team this summer. Per a league source, Duren didn't attend the San Diego team minicamp Cade Cunningham coordinated the week of Aug. 23 or the Labor Day team party at owner Tom Gores' home in Southern California," The Athletic reports.
Ongoing negotiations
Isaiah Stewart, Jalen Duren
Isaiah Stewart, Jalen Duren
Duren remains unsigned after his rookie contract expired this summer, and he is looking to sign a long-term deal north of $200 million.
The Athletic reports that Detroit's last offer was a five-year deal in the $190 million range.
Earlier, NBA insider Marc Stein also reported that Duren is open to playing out the year on a $9.6 million qualifying offer rather than settling for an extension below his target.
He is coming off a breakout campaign that yielded his first All-Star nod and an All-NBA Third Team selection, highlighted by averages of 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds.
Sacramento emerging as potential trade suitor for Duren
Jalen Duren
Jalen Duren
If the Detroit Pistons and Jalen Duren are ultimately unable to agree on a deal, the Sacramento Kings have been identified as a potential sign-and-trade candidate that could offer Duren a satisfactory contract.
"When Duren began taking meetings with other teams as a restricted free agent and made it clear he was interested in playing elsewhere, the Kings were at the front of that line," The Athletic reports.
"Detroit has been unwilling to engage in sign-and-trade talks with Sacramento and others, but the Kings still have very strong interest in Duren and could make room to sign him on a max-salary deal next offseason if they desire."
"Duren, conversely, is known to be eyeing Sacramento as a desirable destination where he could thrive alongside Darius Acuff Jr. as an established building block," the report adds.