Wizards rightfully don’t seem to be actively pursuing Jalen Duren

The Athletic corrected an initial report that indicated the Washington Wizards were interested in an Anthony Davis-Jalen Duren sign-and-trade with the Detroit Pistons. Writer Jordanna Clark supports Washington steering clear of Duren, noting that Detroit remains reluctant to move the 22-year-old center. Duren is currently deciding between a five-year, $200 million contract offer from the Pistons or a $9.6 million qualifying offer.

Clark argues that trading for Duren would be an unnecessary gamble for the Wizards following his offensive decline during the playoffs. Washington recently committed $212 million to Trae Young and already has young center Alex Sarr, leading Clark to conclude that taking on Duren's high financial demands would complicate future roster building.