Durren to meet with Lakers and Kings! Massive contract rift with Pistons, plans sign-and-trade exit

On June 30, Beijing time, per NBA insider Chris Haynes and other reporters, there is a significant gap between the Pistons and Jalen Duren regarding a contract extension. The restricted free-agent big man intends to meet with the Lakers and Kings on Wednesday, the start of free agency, hoping to arrange a sign-and-trade transaction.

Over the past weekend, news emerged that Duren was extremely disappointed with the Pistons' first proposal, causing negotiations to stall. The Athletic's Sam Amick then revealed that the 22-year-old big planned to explore various sign-and-trade options once the market opened, while Haynes noted that Detroit still insisted on a direct re-signing.

Three days later, Haynes has learned that Duren is now seriously considering a sign-and-trade to switch teams, thereby securing the long-term big contract he expects.

Duren just finished a spectacular regular season: he made his first All-Star appearance, averaged 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds in 70 games, and shot an impressive 65% from the field. The 22-year-old also received Defensive Player of the Year votes, and crucially, he was named to the All-NBA Third Team. This activates the "Rose Rule," allowing the Pistons to offer him a special extension up to 30% of the salary cap annually, instead of the standard 25%.

However, during the playoffs, Duren exposed several weaknesses. In the two Game 7 series against the Magic and Cavaliers, his averages dropped to 10.2 points and 8.5 rebounds. His play against Cleveland was particularly poor, prompting the Pistons to frequently replace him with veteran big man Paul Reed.

Recent multiple reports indicate that Duren's camp is targeting a max contract, or at least a deal worth $40 million per year.