The Biggest Hurdle In The Kings Pursuit of Jalen Duren

Locked On Pistons host Ku Khahil joined the Matt George Podcast to break down Jalen Duren’s contract situation and where the Kings fit into it.

BY BRENDEN NUNES

Sep 18, 2026, 10:47 AM Updated: 10:48 am

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Watch: Have The Sacramento Kings Convinced Jalen Duren To Take The Qualifying Offer | 30 mins

The Sacramento Kings have continued to be mentioned as a team to watch in the ongoing Jalen Duren situation, but plenty of hurdles remain before he wears a Kings uniform.

Locked On Pistons host Ku Khahil joined the latest Matt George Podcast to discuss Duren’s ongoing restricted free agency, Detroit’s stance, and how realistic Sacramento’s chances are. All reporting has pointed to Kings general manager Scott Perry having interest in pursuing the 22-year-old.

“If you like a player, if you want a player, if you think you can take advantage of a situation, you do,” Khahil said. “This is a competitive league.”

If the Pistons aren’t willing to discuss a sign-and-trade, the quickest way Duren becomes available is if he’s willing to bet on himself and take the qualifying offer.

Khalil highlighted that the financial difference between accepting Detroit’s reported long-term offer and betting on a future Kings contract is risky, to say the least.

“If it’s true that the Pistons are offering him a five-year $190 million, he’s taking a big risk for one season to get an extra $2 million per year,” Khahil said.

Injury, a poor season, or another disappointing playoff performance could drastically change the type of contract available next summer. Nerlens Noel is one of the more well-known examples of this.

Matt acknowledged that while Kings fans would love to see Duren take that route, he struggles to see it as likely. Instead, perhaps a trade down the line could resurface. If Duren truly feels slighted by Detroit and wants to play elsewhere, the smarter move is to secure the long-term money first and revisit a trade later.

“Get your money and then ask out in eight months,” Khahil said. “That’s what should happen here.”

That scenario would give Detroit control over where Duren lands, but it could also remove the current sign-and-trade financial restrictions that seem to be complicating any potential conversations.

“I really don’t think the Pistons want Sabonis,” Khahil said. But he did mention another current Kings player who could be a more ideal fit.

Khahil suggested Zach LaVine’s expiring contract could at least be more appealing to Detroit because of the future financial flexibility it would provide, particularly if additional assets were involved.

Yet, the most logical outcome still is Duren eventually reaching a long-term agreement with Detroit. There’s also the question of whether or not Duren is truly worth max money on any roster.

Despite Duren’s age, upside, and All-NBA status last season, he’s limited when it comes to floor spacing, defensive questions, and playoff struggles.

The Kings appear interested, and Perry seems to be putting Sacramento in the conversation, as no resolution has been found with media day less than two weeks away.

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