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The Kings may not be willing to catch Jalen Duren if he leaves the Pistons

If Jalen Duren accepts his qualifying offer and sets himself up to leave the Detroit Pistons, that wouldn't automatically mean the Kings would still be there next summer.

Published: Friday, 25 September 2026 at 6:30 PM
The Kings may not be willing to catch Jalen Duren if he leaves the Pistons
Key Things to Know
  • Jalen Duren may leave Detroit next summer if he signs his $9.6 million qualifying offer.
  • The Sacramento Kings hold serious interest in acquiring the center via free agency.
  • Sacramento may hesitate to offer Duren a projected four-year, $189 million contract.
The Story in 60 Seconds

Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren could potentially leave the franchise if he accepts his $9.6 million qualifying offer to enter unrestricted free agency next summer. The Sacramento Kings have shown serious interest and met with Duren, though there remains uncertainty over whether they would commit to a projected four-year, $189 million free-agent contract.

Contract negotiations between Duren and Detroit stalled throughout the offseason after the center initially sought a five-year, $287 million maximum extension. The Pistons increased their offer from $190 million to $200 million over five years, but the two sides have yet to reach an agreement.

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