Kings pursue Jalen Duren as rivals sign new centers

Yahoo Sports1 min read • Latest: Jul 3, 2026, 12:47 AM

Last updated Jul 3, 2026

Kings pursue Jalen Duren as rivals sign new centers
Summary

The Sacramento Kings are emerging as the primary suitor for Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren amid other teams pivoting to new frontcourt options. Following signings by the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics, who picked up Walker Kessler and Mitchell Robinson, respectively, the Kings may look to leverage a potential Sabonis trade. Duren, an All-NBA Third Team player last season, is a restricted free agent seeking close to $40 million annually. The Kings have cap space to pursue Duren, potentially fitting him into their young core alongside rookies Darius Acuff Jr. and Maxime Raynaud. A trade involving Sabonis remains complex but not ruled out as the offseason progresses.

Source Links
By the Numbers
  • Kings eye Jalen Duren as other teams sign centers.
  • Lakers signed Walker Kessler; Celtics signed Mitchell Robinson.
  • Duren averaged 19.5 points, 10.5 rebounds last season.
  • Pistons hesitant to meet Duren's $40 million request.
  • Potential Sabonis trade could facilitate Duren's acquisition.
Latest Updates
  • 12:47 AMYahoo SportsWhat Kessler, Robinson Signings Mean for Kings Pursuing Duren
What they're saying
"

With rivals pivoting to new centers, Sacramento emerges as the primary suitor for Jalen Duren, potentially leveraging a blockbuster Sabonis trade to anchor their young core.

Related Teams & Leagues

Sources

External links

Original reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.

Related Stories

Last 14 days