While most expect the Detroit Pistons and Jalen Duren to agree to a contract soon, a new rumor claims a trade that sends him out of Motown is becoming increasingly possible before training camp opens next week.
The relationship between the Pistons and their All-Star center is at a low point. He entered the summer as a restricted free agent hoping to get a max contract offer from Detroit or another team. However, the Pistons have turned away all sign-and-trade discussions and reportedly increased their contract offer to $200 million this week. Yet it still doesn’t seem like enough for Duren.
It now seems very possible that he will instead accept their $9.6 million qualifying offer and leave in free agency next summer. It’s a decision that should make the Pistons more strongly consider trading him now. But would they actually pull the trigger on such a major trade days before camp opens? According to Heavy’s Sean Deveney, “the closer we get to October, the more it is possible” that the team moves Duren.
With a trade now as likely as ever, let’s look at five teams that could pursue the talented big man this week.
Jalen Duren trade to Sacramento Kings
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 trade to Chicago Bulls
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Mar 31, 2026; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton (33) reacts after being called for a travel during the first quarter against the Charlotte Hornets at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Another route the Pistons could go would be a trade with division rivals the Chicago Bulls. Although it wouldn’t be the sexiest offer, they could send Detroit three 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 for Chicago 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 for a playoff contender than they were just a year ago.
Jalen Duren trade to Milwaukee Bucks
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Apr 5, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks center/forward Myles Turner (3) shoots against Memphis Grizzlies forward Olivier-Maxence Prosper (18) in the first half at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images
The Milwaukee Bucks could also offer an impact veteran center in return for Duren in Myles Turner. However, a straight-up trade doesn’t benefit the Pistons as much. But adding talented young guard Jaime Jaquez Jr. and a future first-round pick would make a deal far more palatable for the Pistons.
Jalen Duren trade to Dallas Mavericks
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 trade to Phoenix Suns
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 their top star 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.