The Detroit Pistons and Jalen Duren remain at odds, but teams interested in a sign-and-trade for the free agent, like the Milwaukee Bucks, should not get their hopes up. Despite tension, The Athletic's Sam Amick and Hunter Patterson (subscription required) report that the Pistons have refused to engage in sign-and-trade scenarios for their star big man. Detroit isn't even entertaining it.
Adding Duren might be a pipe dream for Bucks
Of course, things can change, especially as the deadline for Duren to accept his qualifying offer is rapidly approaching. If he is adamant that he won't sign with the franchise long-term, perhaps they will desperately cut ties and get assets back. However, all offseason, they have maintained that they want to keep him and have backed it up by offering him a five-year deal worth $200 million.
Whether Duren signs the qualifying offer or the $200 million deal, Detroit appears content no matter what. If the All-Star center truly takes the QO and plays for around $10 million this season, it will be a significant risk (one of the biggest in NBA history), but the ability to be an unrestricted free agent next summer could be appealing to him, especially if the bridge with the Pistons is burned.
Bucks might have to pause Duren pursuit for now
It would be surprising if the Milwaukee Bucks started the season with Duren on their roster, given the Pistons' persistence in keeping him. Their best bet is hoping that Duren accepts the qualifying offer, stays healthy for a year, and hits unrestricted free agency next summer. In that scenario, they could hand him a desirable deal and not have to worry about him being a restricted free agent.
That is a lot of "ifs," though.
For now, the Milwaukee Bucks, Detroit Pistons, and the rest of the NBA are waiting to see what Duren will do regarding his qualifying offer. He has until 11:59 p.m. ET Thursday night to decide, though the Pistons could extend it if needed. That feels unlikely, as Detroit would love to get this sorted out as preseason competition nears. Until an answer surfaces, everyone is waiting with bated breath.
If Detroit has a last-second change of heart, perhaps an offer built around Myles Turner, AJ Green, and draft capital could be enticing enough for them to consider moving him rather than deal with this headache for the foreseeable future. Again, the Pistons must be willing, though.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.
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