As a restricted free agent, Jalen Duren is testing his value on the open-ish market. He's meeting with other teams, including the Sacramento Kings. While the front office would be crazy not to talk to Duren, it seems more like he's trying to force the Pistons' hand in his negotiations with them.
Duren had a solid 2025-2026 season. The four-year veteran of the Pistons roster made his first All-Star appearance as well as being named to the All-NBA Third Team. In many ways, it was a breakout run for the center whose exceptional play helped to push the Pistons to the top spot in the East.
At the same time, he pulled a bit of a James Harden in the playoffs and basically choked the whole way through. To be fair, he's only 22 and has minimal experience in the postseason. Still, it's not a stretch to expect a stronger playoff presence from one of the top players on the team.
While he wants to stay with the Pistons, he perceived their initial offer to be too low and is now on the market as a restricted free agent. Duren is currently in talks with the Lakers and the Kings. While the Kings definitely should chat with him, they really need to think the details out on this one.
Duren might not be the right call for the Kings
Reportedly, Duren's asking price is $40 million per season, with a willingness to settle for $30 million. His subpar playoff performance definitely hurt his ability to negotiate with the Pistons, which is why he's exploring other options. Being a restricted free agent gives him some leverage.
The Kings are, to an extent, being used as a bargaining chip by Duren's camp. They talk to Sacramento, the Kings make an offer, and Detroit is forced to match it or let Duren walk. That has to leave the Kings wondering if Duren really wants to be there or if they're just part of a strategy.
Sacramento is looking for players who want to be there and will commit to the rebuild process. If Duren's interest is solely in using them as a bargaining chip, then it seems unlikely that he's invested in being a King in the long-term. He could get his bag, then check out and ask for a trade.
It's also worth keeping in mind that Sacramento has no shortage of bigs. They don't really need another center, considering they currently have Domantas Sabonis, Maxime Raynaud, Dylan Cardwell, and Precious Achiuwa. It's hard to see what Duren adds that the Kings don't already have.
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