The Sacramento Kings could make another run at Jalen Duren if the Detroit Pistons center reaches unrestricted free agency in the summer of 2027.
Sacramento’s interest is not new. Kings general manager Scott Perry met with Duren during the offseason, although Detroit has shown no willingness to cooperate on a sign-and-trade involving its starting center.
That could force Sacramento to wait another year. The Kings are currently projected to have salary-cap flexibility next offseason, potentially giving them an opportunity to pursue Duren directly on the open market.
However, Duren would first need to position himself to become an unrestricted free agent.
One path would be accepting his qualifying offer and playing next season on that deal before entering the market without restrictions in 2027.
He could also potentially sign another one-year agreement or a two-year contract containing a player option, although those scenarios appear less likely.
Any agreement beyond the qualifying offer would more likely involve a longer-term commitment.
