jalen duren
jalen duren
The relationship between the Detroit Pistons and All-Star center Jalen Duren is at a low point a couple of weeks before training camp opens. He entered the summer as a restricted free agent hoping to get a close-to-max contract offer from Detroit or another team. However, the Pistons have turned away all sign-and-trade discussions and reportedly prefer a five-year deal worth around $175 million.
The two sides have been at a stalemate all summer. Now, Duren nears a decision deadline. He can take the Pistons extension offer or their $9.6 million qualifying offer. The QO was viewed as an extreme long shot a month ago. But a report this week from The Athletic’s Sam Amick and Hunter Patterson claimed he was “very seriously considering” that option and would depart as an unrestricted free agent next year.
The NBA insiders also noted that taking the qualifying offer would clearly indicate “a relationship gone wrong” and force the Pistons to “consider trading him now rather than losing him for nothing later.” It is a tough position Detroit has put itself in, and they may have to consider deals that have long-term upside but require a step back in 2026-27.
Let’s take a look at five Jalen Duren trades the Pistons might accept before camps open later this month.
Jalen Duren to Sacramento Kings for Domantas Sabonis & a first-round pick
NBA: Sacramento Kings at Detroit Pistons5
Jan 25, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis (11) moves the ball up court in front of Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (0) during the first half at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Reginek-Imagn Images
The most likely destination for Duren is the Sacramento Kings. They showed a lot of interest at the start of free agency and can offer a center replacement in two-time All-Star Domantas Sabonis. However, the Pistons would get a much older player coming off an MCL tear, with another expensive year left on his deal after this season. If the Kings include a first-round pick, Detroit might accept the deal.
Jalen Duren to Chicago Bulls for Nic Claxton, Isaac Okoro, & three first-round picks
NBA: Atlanta Hawks at Brooklyn Nets5
Apr 3, 2026; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton (33) dribbles the ball towards the basket against the Atlanta Hawks during the first half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
Another route the Pistons could go would be a trade with division rivals the Chicago Bulls. Although it isn’t the sexiest offer, they could send Detroit two first-round picks, as well as Nic Claxton and Isaac Okoro to make the money side of a deal work. A starting five of Josh Giddey, Norman Powell, Matas Buzelis, Caleb Wilson, and Duren would be very exciting long-term.
Claxton would be a solid replacement at center who has just two years left on his deal, while Okoro adds depth and comes off the books after this season. Due to the new lottery rules, a trio of first-rounders is far more valuable in the near-term for a playoff contender like the Pistons than they were just a year ago.
Jalen Duren & Duncan Robinson to Dallas Mavericks for Kyrie Irving, Daniel Gafford, & a first-round pick
NBA: Dallas Mavericks at Utah Jazz5
Jan 8, 2026; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (11) watches play against the Utah Jazz in street clothes during the first half of the game at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images
There has been a lot of speculation about the Pistons making a trade for Dallas Mavericks guard and future Hall of Famer, Kyrie Irving. So why not make the deal now and see if the combo of the nine-time All-Star and young superstar Cade Cunningham can be as good as something from day one of the new season?
Pairing Duren with Cooper Flagg would make sense, fit Dallas’ growth timeline, and move it along faster. Adding Duncan Robinson to the deal would help replace some of Irving’s numbers. While Irving might be great in Detroit, the Pistons are taking a big risk on a well-aged, often hurt player returning from an ACL tear. To make it worth it for them, including center Daniel Gafford and a first-round pick next year is a must.
Jalen Duren to Los Angeles Clippers for Brandon Ingram & two first-round picks (from Kawhi Leonard trade)
NBA: Playoffs-Cleveland Cavaliers at Toronto Raptors5
Apr 26, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward Brandon Ingram (3) reacts after making a three point basket against the Cleveland Cavaliers during game four of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
Detroit could also think long-term in a Jalen Duren trade. That is why a deal with the Los Angeles Clippers could be in play. Whenever the Kawhi Leonard trade with the Toronto Raptors is completed, they will get two first-rounders. That could be packaged, along with Brandon Ingram (arriving in the Raptors trade), for the big man.
The Clippers might be intrigued with the idea of Duren and rookie Keaton Wagler as their future, and a starting lineup with the young duo and Darius Garland is pretty solid. For Detroit, they get two first-round picks and a player who can contribute this season, but who also comes off the books next summer if he isn’t a long-term fit.
Jalen Duren to Phoenix Suns for Khaman Maluach, Miles Bridges & two first-round picks
NBA: Dallas Mavericks at Phoenix Suns5
Apr 8, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns center Khaman Maluach (10) against the Dallas Mavericks at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
One last trade idea the Pistons might be open to is with the Phoenix Suns. The team from the desert had great success with the combo of Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton a few years back and may see more upside in pairing Booker with Duren.
A potential trade would send 2025 lottery pick Khaman Maluach, Miles Bridges, and two firsts to Detroit. Bridges comes off the books after this season but would be a nice scoring addition. Maluach is a center project with a lot of upside before he turns 20 this week. It is a long-term move, but with a lot of hidden upside.