If the saga between Jalen Duren and the Pistons wasn't complicated enough, now the Bucks are in the mix. They are interested in engineering a trade that would send Duren to Milwaukee in exchange for Myles Turner. If that happens, the Sacramento Kings might not be bringing Duren in.
On the face of it, the crux of the issue between Duren and Detroit's front office is money. There was originally a huge gulf between what Duren wanted and what the Pistons were offering. But that gap has seemingly been closed without a deal getting signed. Now, there's a bigger issue.
It appears that Duren took Detroit questioning his value to the team as an insult. This perceived disrespect has certainly complicated the entire situation. Duren definitely seems to be ready to take a qualifying offer instead of signing a long-term contract with the Pistons.
Thanks to Scott Perry's relationship-building with the star center, the Kings became the most likely landing spot for Duren next season. The Bucks entering the conversation is certainly jeopardizing that move. If the Pistons want to move forward with Milwaukee, this all gets really complicated.
Duren to Sacramento is not locked in
The Bucks are reportedly offering the Pistons a deal that will include Turner. Milwaukee will also need to add in draft capital and/or additional players to salary-match Duren. For this to happen, he has to be willing to go to the Bucks as part of a sign-and-trade deal that would make this possible.
It all depends how badly and how quickly he wants out of Detroit. The Bucks are apparently willing to pay Duren his max now, meaning he gets a lot more money than the Pistons are offering. Sacramento is ready to do the same, but can't until Zach LaVine leaves the team next offseason.
The Pistons have made it clear that they are not interested in a sign-and-trade involving Domantas Sabonis, which is the Kings' only move right now. Sacramento's greatest hope is that Duren declines to go through with the Milwaukee sign-and-trade deal, which he can do if he chooses.
This isn't a good situation for the Kings. If the Pistons move this Bucks' deal forward, Duren gets to change teams now, as well as the payday he's been looking for. And it's not like either the Bucks or the Kings are in good shape at the moment. There's a very real chance Duren to Sacramento is over.
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