With NBA free agency officially beginning Tuesday night, there have been rumors swirling around many players around the league, including Jalen Duren.
Of course, Duren is coming off the best season of his NBA career after being named an All-Star and earning his first All-NBA selection while leading the Detroit Pistons to the top seed in the Eastern Conference last season.
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Despite being a key piece for the Pistons last season, it has been reported that he and the franchise are not close in talks on a new contract, which could lead to him leaving in free agency this summer as he is an unrestricted free agent.
If that is the case, these three teams could show interest in adding Duren to their roster this offseason, likely via a sign-and-trade.
Sacramento Kings
The Sacramento Kings have been one of the teams linked to Duren this offseason as NBA insider Chris Haynes reported Monday that the big man is expected to meet with them to begin free agency.
By adding Duren to their roster, the Kings would add a star big man who is a reliable scorer and elite defender that the franchise desperately needs during their ongoing rebuild.
For the Kings to acquire Duren this offseason, they would have to work a sign-and-trade deal with the Pistons which would likely include Domantas Sabonis, though adding Duren to their roster would give them a key young player to build around.
Los Angeles Lakers
It has been reported that the Los Angeles Lakers are looking to add a star center alongside Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves this offseason and Duren has been one of the players linked to them.
By adding Duren this summer, the Lakers would finally fill their void at the center position by adding a great scorer and defender who could fit well alongside Doncic.
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Duren would also provide Los Angeles with another young star to add to the team’s core as they focus on building around Doncic this offseason with LeBron James moving on.
Boston Celtics
All eyes have been on the Boston Celtics this offseason as they try to retool their roster around Jayson Tatum this offseason and with the franchise in desperate need of a new starting center, Duren could be a potential target for them.
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Of course, Boston was in on Giannis Antetokounmpo before he was traded to the Miami Heat earlier this summer and now with reports that they are open to moving Jaylen Brown, they could entice the Pistons with a potential sign-and-trade.
Duren would provide the Celtics with a reliable scorer and defender at the center position that they lacked last season who could be a solid fit alongside Tatum and the rest of their core as they try to chase another title next season.
While these three teams could show interest in Duren this offseason, others around the NBA may also target the star big man while Detroit could also decide to offer him a larger deal to retain him.
