Are Pistons, Kings nearing sign-and-trade to swap Duren, Sabonis?

Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) guards Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (0) during the second half of game four in the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena. Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Are Pistons, Kings nearing sign-and-trade to swap All-Star centers Jalen Duren, Domantas Sabonis?

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Jun 29, 2026 7:39 PM ET

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The craziness that has been the 2026 NBA offseason just continues to stay crazy on a daily basis. That theme stayed true Monday afternoon with news surrounding two former All-Star centers.

Jalen Duren to the... Kings?

According to NBA insider Chris Haynes, the Detroit Pistons and All-Star center Jalen Duren are extremely far apart in contract negotiations. The two sides are so far apart that Duren has requested a trade out of Detroit.

The team Duren is interested in, though, feels quite surprising. According to Haynes, it is the Sacramento Kings whom Duren will meet with at the beginning of free agency.

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

What would a possible trade look like?

Sacramento has several large contracts on its roster, but it appears that another All-Star center would be included in a possible Kings-Pistons trade.

According to senior NBA writer Sam Amick, league sources have indicated that it would be Domantas Sabonis being shipped to Detroit in a potential deal.

Per league sources, the most likely scenario here would include Kings forward Domantas Sabonis heading to Detroit.

The key question now is how the Pistons see the situation, in light of the gap between them and Duren and the chance to get a three-time All-Star in return. https://t.co/pGNbbzsTuj
— Sam Amick (@sam_amick) June 29, 2026

It would be an abrupt end to Jalen Duren's Pistons career

After being a dominant force at center and helping the Pistons earn the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference last season, it appears that Duren will suddenly be headed to a Kings team that was among the worst in the NBA in the 2025-26 season.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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