Atlanta Hawks Should Keep Eye on Jalen Duren Situation

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Atlanta Hawks Should Keep Eye on Jalen Duren Situation

Atlanta Hawks Should Keep Eye on Jalen Duren Situation
(Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images)

Zackery Rogers

Sat, September 5, 2026 at 4:25 AM UTC ·

3 min read

Jalen Duren's Future With Detroit

Duren was drafted by the Charlotte Hornets with the 13th pick in the 2022 NBA Draft and was immediately traded to the Pistons as a result of a three-team trade. He has played all four seasons with Detroit.

The Memphis product is a restricted free agent, which gives the Pistons the upper hand with the ability to match any offer sheet he signs. ESPN's Tim MacMahon reported that there's still a gap in negotiations and that they could drag on.

Duren's camp is seeking a salary of over $40 million a year, while the team is around the $35 million mark. While there have been no reports of interaction or interest, the Hawks are a team that should keep an eye on the situation.

Detroit has reportedly shown no interest in sign-and-trade scenarios involving Duren, so that stance would have to change for Atlanta to realistically get involved.

Could The Atlanta Hawks Pursue Jalen Duren?

Atlanta has had a productive offseason as it looks to build around a young core that reached the postseason last season for the first time since the 2022-23 season. While the Hawks' salary situation would provide a challenge, the team could take another step by trying to land Duren if he becomes available.

The franchise would not be able to sign the Pistons center outright because it is over the salary cap. Atlanta would likely need Detroit to cooperate in a sign-and-trade to make a move possible.

If the Hawks entertained a trade, they could offer center Onyeka Okongwu , who has been a staple for the franchise. Duren would provide the team with slightly more physicality, and he is only 22 years old.

Last season, Duren averaged 19.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 2.0 assists while shooting 65.0% from the floor. He also provided Detroit with size and rebounding in the paint.

On the flip side, Okongwu averaged 15.2 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 3.1 assists while shooting 48.0% from the floor. Both players are the same height, but Duren has 10 more pounds than Okongwu and provides more physicality inside.

Also, the Pistons center is only 22 and has more upside potential, but the Hawks center is a better 3-point shooter, which could draw pause to the possibility of this move.

This could be an intriguing move for Detroit because it would get a center who can play now and space the floor. Also, Okongwu's contract is already set, and the Pistons would have him for another two seasons.

For now, there has been no reported interest between Atlanta and Duren. However, if his contract situation with Detroit continues to drag out, the Hawks should keep an eye on it.