Detroit Pistons Face Questions About Jalen Duren Trade
The Detroit Pistons are facing a critical decision regarding center Jalen Duren’s future with the team this summer. Duren and point guard Jaden Ivey are eligible for contract extensions after the 2024-2025 season concludes.
Writing for the Piston Powered blog, Tyler Dutton stated that if Jalen Duren is not part of the Detroit Pistons’ future, “maybe they [Detroit] can use the Mark Williams trade as a guidepost on what to ask for the young big man.”
According to Dutton’s Piston Powered report, the Lakers had contacted the Pistons’ management about Duren before they traded for Williams.
Williams, center for the Charlotte Hornets, was slated to be traded to the Lakers on Feb. 6. But two days later, the trade deal was rescinded due to Williams’ failed physical. This outcome forced Los Angeles to pursue the buyout market for an asset for the team’s front court, according to a Sporting News report.
While the specifics of what the Lakers offer for Duren could have been remains unclear, it might have been comparable to what they would have given up in exchange for Williams.
Here’s a look at the stats for Duren vs. Williams:
Jalen Duren
- 10.7 points
- 2.3 assists
- 10 rebounds
Mark Williams
- 15.6 points
- 2.5 assists
- 9.6 rebounds
Granted, Duren is younger, more athletic, and has a better injury history than Williams. Williams, however, makes up for the difference in height—7 feet compared to 6 feet, 10 inches for Duren.
If the Pistons reject a trade involving a young player and a future pick for Duren, their decision may suggest that they view him as an important part of the team’s future.