The Detroit Pistons are coming off their first playoff appearance since 2019. The rumor mill is suggesting they will stay aggressive this offseason to ensure their stay in the postseason.
Marc Stein wrote, "The Pistons are among the teams with interest in [Minnesota] Timberwolves big man [Naz] Reid, league sources say. Detroit is known to covet a floor-spacing big man and, according to sources, is likewise said to hold interest in Indiana's Myles Turner."
Stein debated the Pistons' realistic chances of landing either, but the pursuit of two top-tier free agent big men makes one thing clear: Detroit could be ready to move on from Jalen Duren as their full-time starter at center. This would open the door for the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Lakers' need for a center has been stated countless times. Rob Pelinka has even previously inquired about Duren's services. This could be the perfect opportunity to pry him away and give Luka Doncic a player that would thrive with the Slovenian superstar.
Reasons for Duren's exit are adding up quickly
The quiet part that has not been said out loud just yet, and the other major reason that would fuel Duren's potential exit from Detroit, would be his looming contract decision. The Pistons center is nearing the end of his rookie deal with the team.
2025-26 features a team option that is surely going to be picked up. However, that is the last season of Duren's rookie contract.
The former 2022 lottery pick is due for an extension in the near future. If the Pistons are not inclined to hand him a pay day, trading the athletic big man would be the necessary course of action for their franchise.
That is the Lakers' cue to enter the stage. Rob Pelinka and Doncic certainly have a vision of what the team's next starting center should look like. The rescinded Mark Williams trade, coupled with links to Onyeka Okongwu, Daniel Gafford, Walker Kessler, and Nicolas Claxton paint a clear picture.
The Lakers desire an athletic center, preferably on the younger side, who can play both ways. Duren would certainly provide them with that.
The Pistons big man averaged 11.3 points, 10.3 rebounds, 1.1 blocks, and 0.7 steals per game in 2024-25, while shooting a ridiculous 69.2 percent from the field. Duren registered an offensive rating of 134 and defensive rating of 109 per 100 possessions this season.
The Lakers will reportedly be dangling a similar trade package this offseason to what originally netted them Williams, before that deal was axed. If the Pistons deem that to be a good enough price, Duren will be wearing purple and gold in no time.