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By Matthew Couden
Contributing Writer
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With the Detroit Pistons and their All-Star big man, Jalen Duren, remaining far apart in terms of negotiating a deal for him to remain on the roster, it looks like Duren could join a new NBA team.
On Monday, Chris B. Haynes reported that Duren is planning to meet with the Sacramento Kings once free agency begins to work towards a sign-and-trade deal out of Detroit.
That would be a huge move for all of the parties involved, as Duren was part of a Pistons squad that finished at the top of the Eastern Conference, and many believed they might represent the East in the NBA Finals. However, they lost earlier than anticipated in the semifinals to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
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Meanwhile, it would also mean the Kings could land another All-Star player for their roster, which currently features three-time All-Star Domantas Sabonis. Despite having Sabonis, the Kings have struggled in recent seasons as the Western Conference has only become tougher.
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The Kings finished at 22-60 and were nowhere near the postseason. In the NBA Draft, they selected standout Arkansas guard Darius Acuff Jr. at No. 7, and then acquired UConn forward Alex Karaban in a first-round draft trade. They also selected Houston guard Emanuel Sharp at No. 45 in the second round.
Adding Duren would be a huge addition to their frontcourt as they contend with the likes of the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference. Having a player who was among the league's top six rebounders and top four players in field goal percentage could help many teams.
It's unlikely to lead to Sacramento reaching the postseason, but it's definitely a roster upgrade. Duren became a first-time All-Star this past season, averaging a double-double of 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds per game with a 65% field goal percentage.
This could also be a major setback for the Pistons, who rose to the top of the Eastern Conference behind Cade Cunningham's emergence as a major star and NBA MVP contender.
Duren was clearly a major component of Detroit's season and playoff run, so it will be interesting to see how they address losing a player of his caliber in free agency if the Kings move happens.
Update: The Athletic's Sam Amick reported that a Duren trade could involve the Kings' Damontas Sabonis heading to the Pistons.
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