Kings’ Jalen Duren pursuit shows Scott Perry isn’t afraid to take big swings

From Jonathan Kuminga to Jalen Duren, Scott Perry is thinking bigger for the Kings

The Sacramento Kings have developed a reputation as a difficult destination for NBA free agents, but general manager Scott Perry appears determined to change that narrative.

According to Sactown Sports’ Matt George, the Kings’ pursuit of Jalen Duren this offseason is the latest example of a strategy Perry began implementing last summer when Sacramento pursued Jonathan Kuminga.

George believes Perry is taking a different approach from previous Kings executives by pursuing players even when the odds of actually signing them are limited.

“He’s here to change, or is certainly not going to operate with his beliefs of what he can accomplish in free agency while being the general manager of the Kings.”

DETROIT, MICHIGAN – NOVEMBER 17: Jalen Duren #0 of the Detroit Pistons reacts after he dunks in the first half against the Indiana Pacers at Little Caesars Arena on November 17, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Rick Osentoski/Getty Images)

Perry has now targeted restricted free agents in consecutive offseasons, a particularly difficult avenue because their original teams maintain significant control.

Last summer, the Kings established a relationship with Kuminga and reportedly put a significant offer on the table. A sign-and-trade was discussed, but Golden State ultimately retained Kuminga before he was later moved to Atlanta and eventually Minnesota.

This summer, the Kings turned their attention toward Jalen Duren.

George said Sacramento was willing to put the money on the table Duren was seeking, while the Detroit Pistons have reportedly been reluctant to meet his asking price.

Because Duren remains a restricted free agent, however, Detroit ultimately controls whether a potential sign-and-trade can happen.

“The Kings met with Jalen Duran earlier this summer,” George said. “The Kings met with Jonathan Kaminga last summer, and I can tell you, Scott Perry is about meeting. He’s about face-to-face interactions. He’s about establishing a relationship.”

That, according to George, could be the bigger part of Perry’s strategy.

Even if the Kings don’t acquire Duren, Perry is creating a relationship with a player who could potentially become available in a future offseason. Duren could accept his qualifying offer and enter unrestricted free agency next summer, giving Sacramento another opportunity if both sides remain interested.

DETROIT, MICHIGAN – MAY 05: Jalen Duren #0 of the Detroit Pistons goes up for a dunk against Evan Mobley #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game One of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena on May 05, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

George acknowledged that Perry ultimately won’t be judged on attempts.

“Scott Perry is going to be judged on what he does do, not what he tried to do,” George said.

Still, George believes simply refusing to participate because Sacramento has historically struggled to attract marquee free agents would accomplish nothing.

“I appreciate that Scott has a different approach to free agency,” George said. “That he’s not worried about Sacramento’s reputation. He’s worried about his reputation. He’s worried about the connections that he can make.”

The Jalen Duren pursuit may ultimately go nowhere. Detroit could retain him, or Duren could agree to a long-term deal with the Pistons. But for the Kings, Perry has already accomplished something previous regimes often failed to do: getting Sacramento into the conversation.

Whether that eventually translates into a signing remains to be seen. For now, Perry is making sure the Kings have a seat at the table.

Listen to all episodes of Sactown Sports’ The Matt Sactown Sports’ Matt George wherever you get your podcasts, and watch each episode on SactownSports.com, the Sactown Sports app, or the Sactown Sports YouTube page.

More Sacramento Kings content from Sactown Sports

• Jerry Reynolds on how Ben Simmons could fit with Sacramento’s offense
• NBA insiders connect Jalen Duren’s future to Domantas Sabonis’ Kings uncertainty
• 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

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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