Jan 21, 2026; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (0) reacts to a play against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
Jan 21, 2026; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (0) reacts to a play against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
The Detroit Pistons‘ ongoing contract negotiations with their star center Jalen Duren have been one of the pivotal storylines of this year’s offseason. While Detroit’s intentions to retain Duren have been made clear, it appears the situation is spiraling out of the Pistons’ control.
For the most part, there has been a stalemate between the two parties over contract demands. While earlier reports indicated that the Pistons were willing to offer Jalen Duren a new deal worth $190 million, it fell short of the center’s demands.
With constant roadblocks and the looming threat of the qualifying offer, many believed that matters were going south. Now, there is reason to believe that the relationship between Duren and the Pistons is truly beyond repair, as reports indicate that Detroit’s latest five-year, $200 million offer isn’t enough to convince Duren to stay.
As an exit becomes a more likely outcome, The Athletic’s Sam Amick and Hunter Patterson reported that two teams could emerge as suitors for Jalen Duren. While the Sacramento Kings’ intentions of signing him next summer have been well-documented, Amick noted that the Milwaukee Bucks are also open to acquiring him now.
Due to his status as a restricted free agent, acquiring Jalen Duren would only make sense via trade. On that note, we explore a potential trade scenario that would help Milwaukee acquire the Pistons’ big man this summer. Here is the trade proposal:
Proposed Trade Details
Milwaukee Bucks Receive: Jalen Duren (sign-and-trade)
Detroit Pistons Receive: Myles Turner, Ryan Rollins, 2033 first-round pick (MIA)
Given Milwaukee’s inclination to part with Turner and Duren’s wishes (potentially) to leave Detroit, there is a middle ground where both the Bucks and the Pistons could meet to negotiate a deal that benefits both. Hence, we begin by examining how this deal would affect both teams financially.
Financial Outlook
For starters, we establish that Jalen Duren’s move from Detroit will have to be a sign-and-trade with the Milwaukee Bucks. Hence, if we assume that Duren agrees to an offer worth roughly $38 million annually, this trade could become much more feasible.
Currently, Milwaukee has a total tax of $190.2 million, according to Spotrac. This places them $10.1 million below the tax line. The outgoing contracts of Turner ($26.5 million) and Rollins ($4.0 million) would help Detroit create $30.5 million in cap space, earning them enough flexibility to absorb Duren’s new contract while remaining below the tax line.
On the Pistons’ side of the trade, Detroit would be shedding salary while absorbing two more players. Although this would force them to cut some players before finalizing their roster, this trade helps them reduce their total payroll.
Thus, with the financial side dealt with, we now explore the performance aspects of this scenario.
How Does This Trade Affect Both Teams?
For obvious reasons, this trade has major implications for both teams. Even so, there is reason to believe this could work out favorably for both parties.
In the Pistons’ case, trading Jalen Duren would leave an enormous gap in the center rotation. Since Detroit also moved Isaiah Stewart this summer, the need for a reliable starting big man would be the priority. Hence, acquiring a proven veteran center like Myles Turner seems appropriate.
Turner’s time in Milwaukee hasn’t been the most fruitful, marked by averages of 11.9 points and 5.3 rebounds per game on 44.0% shooting from the field and 38.3% from three-point range. Still, when noting his defensive contributions of 0.7 steals and 1.6 blocks per game last season, Turner could still be a high-value pickup.
In many ways, Turner’s addition compensates for Duren’s defensive impact, giving the Pistons a viable rim protector on the inside. Still, since the team also needs to provide Cade Cunningham with a running mate, Detroit may see the merit in acquiring Ryan Rollins in this trade.
Rollins’ development over the last season has been noteworthy enough for Milwaukee to consider him a key player in the rotation. With averages of 17.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game, the 24-year-old has already established himself as a dynamic scorer. When noting how impactful he could be when playing off Cunningham’s gravity, the Pistons could benefit greatly from pairing the two in the backcourt.
Although the Bucks would be hesitant to part with Rollins, the team’s current guard depth would open the door for such a move. Additionally, given how it would allow them to add a superstar big man to their rebuilding core, Milwaukee may be more inclined to do this trade.
Following Giannis Antetokounmpo‘s departure, the Bucks have fallen out of the picture as a competitive squad. Despite having some talented players on the roster, they are constantly overlooked in the East.
By acquiring an elite two-way center like Jalen Duren, Milwaukee would fast-track the process of becoming relevant again. Given Duren’s averages of 19.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, 0.8 steals, and 0.8 blocks per game last season, he could easily be among the Bucks’ most impactful players.
Theoretically, the Bucks could pair Jalen Duren with Kel’el Ware in the frontcourt while Tyler Herro anchors the backcourt. While there is no telling how such a team would fare over an 82-game season, Milwaukee may be intrigued by the developmental potential of this unit once young players like Brayden Burries and Nate Ament gain more experience.
Should The Pistons Trade Jalen Duren?
At this juncture, there is no clear answer to such a question.
On paper, it doesn’t make sense for the Pistons to trade Jalen Duren, primarily because of what he means to the system. Given his chemistry with Cade Cunningham and his role as the defensive anchor, the Pistons are quite dependent on the big man’s production on both ends of the floor.
While this would typically end any notion of debate, the relationship between the Pistons and Jalen Duren has turned sour lately. Given that the star center is willing to accept considerably less money if it guarantees his exit from Detroit, he is clearly not interested in returning.
The current situation is very delicate, and small shifts could disrupt the status quo. While one could be optimistic about Detroit’s chances of eventually bringing Jalen Duren back this season, the Pistons could increase the risk of internal discord by doing so. This may not be favorable for their championship aspirations.