Report: Kings to meet with All-Star C Jalen Duren when free agency opens

When the NBA free agency negotiating period opens on Tuesday afternoon (3 pm PT), the Sacramento Kings will be meeting with All-Star center Jalen Duren in hopes of securing a sign-and-trade deal, per insider Chris Haynes.

The report comes somewhat out of left field in the hours leading into the start of free agency negotiations, and due to Duren’s sizable gap with Detroit in contract negotiations, the 22-year-old center is now evaluating outside scenarios.

Duren, a first-time All-Star during the 2025-26 season with the powerhouse Pistons, was named to the All-NBA Third Team due to his impressive year that saw him average 19.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game while shooting 65 percent from the field (4th in the NBA).

BREAKING: Due to sizable distance apart in negotiations, Detroit Pistons restricted free agent center Jalen Duren will meet with the Sacramento Kings at the start of free agency with the intentions of structuring a sign-&-trade out of Detroit. pic.twitter.com/rzUZWy2iJF

— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) June 29, 2026

More on Jalen Duren

After making the All-NBA Third Team, Jalen Duren–the 13th overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft out of Memphis–was eligible for a five-year, $287.1 million extension that would account for a sizable chunk of Detroit’s salary cap.

According to Haynes, Duren’s negotiations have deteriorated to the point where he is planning to sit down with Sacramento general manager Scott Perry and discuss sign-and-trade options.

The Athletic‘s Sam Amick added some context to the Duren-Kings connection, reporting that Sacramento would likely send three-time All-Star center Domantas Sabonis to the Pistons in return for the 6’10 big man.

Sabonis, 30, has two years and $93 million remaining on his deal, but it has long been speculated that Perry has been gauging the market for interest in the Lithuanian big as he looks to shed salary.

With Zach LaVine’s $49 million contract now officially on the books for 2026-27, the Kings are currently operating as a luxury tax team, but Perry has started chipping away by trading former lottery pick Devin Carter.

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 07: Domantas Sabonis #10 of the Sacramento Kings shoots the ball against Jalen Duren #0 of the Detroit Pistons in the third quarter at Golden 1 Center on February 07, 2024 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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

From an age standpoint, Jalen Duren would certainly fit Perry’s new-look core in Sacramento:

Keegan Murray (25), Nique Clifford (24), Maxime Raynaud (23), Dylan Cardwell (24), Alex Karaban (23), Emanuel Sharp (22), Darius Acuff Jr. (19).

Moving Sabonis, who would upgrade Detroit’s offense but hurt their defense, could mean Perry would have to part with future draft capital to get the Pistons to agree to a deal–all while paying Jalen Duren an amount likely close to Sabonis’ $40 million salary.

This could be a negotiating tactic by Duren and his camp, but either way, the Kings are making it clear that they are open for business this summer as they look to shake up a roster that finished at the bottom of the Western Conference standings.

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What is the next Sacramento Kings Offseason Event?

The Sacramento Kings will now set their sights on the California Classic, with action set to run from July 4th through July 6th at Golden 1 Center.

New Kings point guard Darius Acuff Jr. (7th pick in the 2026 NBA Draft) will go head-to-head against Brooklyn Nets guard Mikel Brown Jr. (6th pick in the 2026 NBA Draft) at 2 pm PT on July 4th, right here in downtown Sacramento.

Be sure to remain locked into Sactown Sports for your Sacramento Kings Summer League news, analysis, and much more!

Upcoming Sacramento Kings Offseason Schedule

• Tuesday, June 30th – NBA Free Agency negotiation period begins (3 PM PT)
• Saturday, July 4th – Monday, July 6th – California Classic at Golden 1 Center
• Thursday, July 9th – NBA Las Vegas Summer League begins
• Monday, July 13th – Free Agency moratorium ends / signings can become official

Sacramento Kings California Classic Schedule

Games played at Golden 1 Center

• Saturday, July 4th – vs. Brooklyn Nets (2 p.m. PT)
• Sunday, July 5th – vs. Golden State Warriors (2 p.m. PT)
• Monday, July 6th – vs. Milwaukee Bucks (7 p.m. PT)

2026 Sacramento Kings Las Vegas Summer League Schedule

• Thursday, July 9: vs. Los Angeles Clippers (8 p.m. PT)
• Sunday, July 12: vs. Washington Wizards (5 p.m. PT)
• Tuesday, July 14: vs. Brooklyn Nets (3 p.m. PT)
• Wednesday, July 15: vs. Boston Celtics (5 p.m. PT)
• Final game TBD

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