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Sacramento Kings Gaining Ground As Potential Jalen Duren Landing Spot
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- Sacramento Kings Gaining Ground As Potential Jalen Duren Landing Spot
Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
2026 NBA free agency has wrapped up for the vast majority of teams and players, but there are still some matters left unresolved, just a few weeks before training camp. By far, the biggest dispute is happening in Detroit, where the Pistons and Jalen Duren continue to negotiate a new deal.
With Duren seeking at least $40 million annually and the Pistons only going up to $35, both sides remain far apart on a contract, and it's looking increasingly likely he'll split from the franchise (whether it's this summer or next summer). Among other teams, the Sacramento Kings have recently been tied to the big man with multiple contracts coming off the books.
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"If you are Jalen Duren and his representatives, I would look at the Sacramento Kings," said ESPN's Anthony Slater . "They can get up to max cap space next summer. Zach LaVine's coming off the books. Scott Perry is completely turning the franchise over."
With averages of 19.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 0.8 steals, and 0.8 blocks per game on 65.0% shooting last season, Jalen Duren believes he's a max-level player, but he may have to settle for a one-year, $9.6 million qualifying offer if he can't reach an agreement on a new deal. Such an arrangement would make Duren a free agent in 2027, and he'd likely leave the Pistons amid reports of a strained relationship.
In today's NBA economy, there aren't many teams willing to pay Duren the max, but the Kings may be uniquely positioned to give him what he seeks . With Zach LaVine's $48.9 million contract coming off the books, they will have a lot of cap space to spend and nothing to lose as a lottery-bound team. Plus, with questions swirling about Domantas Sabonis' future , the Kings will need a viable replacement at center to provide that crucial paint presence.
At 6'10", Duren is a bit undersized for the position, but he makes up for it with his strength, athleticism, and elite rim protection. Drafted 13th overall in 2022, he's only 22 years old and still years away from his prime, meaning he's only expected to get better going forward. The only blemish for Duren is his performance during the 2026 playoffs, when the Pistons got iced in the second round. As Cade Cunningham was putting the team on his back, Duren struggled to make an impact with series averages of 10.2 points, 8.5 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 0.6 steals, and 1.2 blocks per game on 51.4% shooting.
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As a restricted free agent, there's not much Duren can do but either keep the holdout going or sign the qualifying offer to set up his free agency next summer. Either way, his situation will surely be one to monitor for the 2026-27 campaign. If he plays well and the Pistons succeed, there may yet be a chance for reconciliation . If not, we can expect the Kings to be one of several teams in hot pursuit of his talent.
At this point, it's anyone's guess what happens from here, but the Kings are starting over, and they need a new star to usher in a brand new era. Duren could be that and more for them if he plays up to his potential, but the Kings must be willing to pay what he feels he's worth.
