The Los Angeles Lakers sent the Jazz two unprotected first-round picks and two first-round pick swaps in a sign-and-trade for Walker Kessler at the beginning of the offseason, and he inked a four-year, $130 million deal. Because of what LA gave up for him and the contract he signed, the move has been largely viewed as an overpay. It could be seen in a new light if the Pistons give Jalen Duren what he's looking for (subscription required), as reported by Sam Amick and Hunter Patterson of The Athletic:
Per league sources, Detroit’s last offer was a five-year deal in the $190 million range. Duren, who is eligible to receive a five-year, $287 million contract, is seeking at least $200 million.
This isn't to say Duren shouldn't make more money than Kessler, since he's coming off a season where he averaged a career-high 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds. With Cade Cunningham missing time at the end of the regular season due to a collapsed lung, the center helped Detroit clinch the top seed in the East.
Duren earned his first All-NBA nod and All-Star honor as a result of his regular season rise, but that level of play didn't carry over to the playoffs. His numbers dropped to 10.2 points and 8.5 rebounds per game. In the semifinals against the Cavaliers, a series that went to seven games, he averaged just 9.9 points and 7.6 boards per game.
Duren wants at least $200 million from Pistons in new deal
If Detroit caves and gives Duren a deal worth more than $200 million over five years, even with his postseason shortcomings and an All-NBA honor that came because other players (like Anthony Edwards) were ineligible due to the 65-game requirement, the value of Kessler's contract would change, all before he plays in a game for the Lakers.
You could say the same even if Duren signs a five-year deal in the $190 million range, since that's still a lot of money, even more so since no other team this offseason tried to pry him away from the Pistons, which is a large part of the reason why things have dragged on this long.
Duren's saga has drawn attention away from Kessler and the Lakers this summer, but that will change once the season starts.
Kessler will have to live up to his contract, since Los Angeles is paying him like an established center. The Lakers were never going to get him on a bargain, though, not in restricted free agency, and certainly not by doing business with the Ainges. Los Angeles is banking on his potential, and there's no denying that he has that. He's already an elite rim protector.
Duren is a more proven player than Kessler, so he's not facing the same questions about who he can be, but that doesn't mean he's worth that much more than the Lakers' new starting center, but he believes he is.
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