NBA insiders connect Jalen Duren’s future to Domantas Sabonis’ Kings uncertainty

The Sacramento Kings’ reported interest in Jalen Duren could become even more intriguing as questions surrounding Domantas Sabonis’ long-term future with the franchise continue to grow.

On the latest episode of The Hoop Collective, ESPN’s Anthony Slater, Tim McMahon and Brian Windhorst revisited the possibility of a Sabonis-for-Duren swap, a scenario that was reportedly discussed after Kings general manager Scott Perry met with Duren in Miami early in free agency.

Slater believes Sacramento could remain an attractive destination for Duren, particularly given the Kings’ projected financial flexibility next summer.

The Kings are expected to free up around $70 million in cap space thanks to Zach LaVine ($49 million) and De’Andre Hunter’s ($24 million) expiring contracts.

“If you are Jalen Duren and his representatives, I would look at the Sacramento Kings,” Slater said. “They can get up to max cap space next summer. Zach LaVine’s coming off the books. Scott Perry is completely turning the franchise over.”

Brian Windhorst with an interesting mention about Domantas Sabonis:

” I do think its somewhat interesting that he changed agents this offseason. He hired Aaron Mintz from CAA. This last year Mintz executed the trade for Trae Young away from Atlanta. Walker Kessler trade away… pic.twitter.com/L9gegmLmfJ

— JayTakes (@SportsWithJay0) September 1, 2026

More on Domantas Sabonis & Jalen Duren

Slater added that Jalen Duren’s situation could give him leverage as he remains locked in a contract standoff with Detroit.

The 22-year-old is a restricted free agent after averaging 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds last season and earning his first All-Star and All-NBA selections.

The Pistons have reportedly offered Duren a five-year deal worth approximately $35 million annually, while Duren is seeking more than $40 million per year.

He could instead accept his $9.6 million qualifying offer and become an unrestricted free agent next summer, a move that would give him flexibility regarding his future–with potential financial risk, of course.

That possibility makes Sacramento particularly interesting, considering the Kings could have significant cap room available in 2027.

But the Jalen Duren discussion also led the ESPN trio to a much more significant question surrounding Sacramento’s current center.

Windhorst pointed out that Domantas Sabonis changed representation this offseason, hiring Aaron Mintz of CAA.

Mintz’s group facilitated trades involving Trae Young to Washington and Walker Kessler to the Los Angeles Lakers, and helped both players secure significant new contracts.

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 24: Domantas Sabonis #11 of the Sacramento Kings reacts after he made a basket against the Utah Jazz during the second half at Golden 1 Center on October 24, 2025 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

“Why would he do that?” McMahon asked.

Windhorst’s answer was blunt.

“Because he wants to get out of Sac,” he said.

Slater noted that Domantas Sabonis is extension-eligible, but Sacramento has no interest in beginning that conversation right now. He also revealed that there have been “several trade talks” involving Sabonis and Eastern Conference teams over the past year.

“I think we all know where this is going,” Slater said, adding that the representation change “might be about trying to expedite that process.”

Sabonis has two years and roughly $93 million remaining on his contract. He played just 19 games last season, and Windhorst acknowledged that his fit can be difficult for teams pursuing championship contention because “he’s not a defensive anchor.”

That could make a transition from Domantas Sabonis to Jalen Duren one of the most fascinating possibilities for the Kings as Scott Perry continues to reshape the franchise, but we’ll see if the All-Star center’s negotiations with the Pistons result in a long-term pact, or a one-year deal that could open the door for Sacramento in 2027.

More Sacramento Kings content from Sactown Sports

• Why the Kings’ future isn’t as bleak as Bleacher Report’s ranking suggests
• Alex Karaban shows how he can fit into the Kings’ offense
• Young Sacramento Kings building early chemistry at Rico Hines’ open runs
• Jonathan Kuminga’s Agent highlights Sacramento’s upcoming cap space flexibility
• Jerry Reynolds: Ben Simmons could be worth the risk for Kings

Sacramento Kings Schedule: 2026-27 Preseason

• Monday, October 5th vs. Los Angeles Lakers (7 P.M. PST)
• Thursday, October 8th @ Los Angeles Lakers (7:30 P.M. PST)
• Saturday, October 10th @ Golden State Warriors (5:30 P.M. PST)
• Tuesday, October 13th vs. Portland Trail Blazers (7:00 P.M. PST)
• Friday, October 16th @ San Antonio Spurs (7:00 P.M. PST)

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