The Los Angeles Lakers and Sacramento Kings are both slated to meet with Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren as potential sign-and-trade destinations, according to reports.
There is reportedly a "sizeable distance" between Duren and the Pistons regarding a contract extension, making him an unrestricted free agent. Duren, 22, is nearing the end of his four-year rookie deal, having earned $19.5 million over that period. The Pistons drafted him 13th overall in the 2022 NBA Draft.
Initially a role player, Duren has emerged as a notable center in the league. He finished last season just outside the top 10 in rebounds per game (8.5) and blocks per game (1.2). In the 70 games he played last year, Duren averaged 19.5 points and was instrumental in the Pistons ending an 18-year playoff drought, helping them secure first place in the Eastern Conference with a 60-22 record.
The Kings are scheduled to meet with Duren first, with the Lakers expected to follow later in the day. Lakers star Luka Dončić has expressed a desire for the team to acquire a big man to enhance their pick-and-roll game. Currently, the Lakers have centers DeAndre Ayton and Jaxon Hayes under contract. Ayton averaged 12.5 points, 8 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks per game last season.
Acquiring a center like Duren aligns with Dončić's stated offseason goals, which also include the addition of more shooting. Reports suggest the Kings may offer Domantas Sabonis in their pursuit of Duren, though it remains unclear how the Pistons would view such a proposal. The Kings appear to be serious about acquiring the 22-year-old center.