The thought of the Detroit Pistons sending Jalen Duren to the Sacramento Kings in a sign-and-trade with Domantas Sabonis as the returning big man was something that Trajan Langdon’s front office didn’t want to entertain.
At the start of free agency, Duren quickly realized he wasn’t going to get a max-level contract offer. The Kings told the veteran center that they believed he was on that level and would’ve been willing to make a deal.
There was no budging in Detroit. And the Jalen Duren free agency saga is ongoing. As the veteran center stands strong, waiting for the deal that he wants, a recent NBA big man ranking just smacked the Pistons with an unfortunate idea.
3-Time NBA All-Star’s Rank Hits Pistons With Bad Jalen Duren Reality
GettyCLEVELAND, OHIO – MAY 09: Jalen Duren #0 of the Detroit Pistons waits during the fourth quarter of Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena on May 09, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Pistons 116-109. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
The Athletic’s ‘The Bounce’ recently ranked NBA centers in different tiers. Duren ended up in the fourth tier titled: “Maybe they should be higher?” He was No.12, trailing Cleveland Cavaliers big man Evan Mobley.
The good news: Duren had the biggest jump in the fourth tier. He improved 23 spots. The bad news: he’s right in front of Domantas Sabonis, the center that the Pistons seem to think is on an entirely different level than Duren.
For what it’s worth, No. 13 is a 10-spot drop for Sabonis, who battled setbacks throughout the 2025-2026 NBA season. There’s a chance he can fall even farther down just as quickly.
Still, if you’re the Pistons–or even Duren–it’s just a bad look all around.
Detroit’s Side
GettyWASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 17: Jalen Duren #0 of the Detroit Pistons controls the ball against the Washington Wizards during the second half at Capital One Arena on March 17, 2026 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
They want nothing to do with adding Sabonis, despite his past success. The 30-year-old has three All-Star nods and two All-NBA nods.
Clearly, the Pistons believe that Sabonis’ best days are far behind him. Last season, Sabonis averaged 15.8 points, 11.4 rebounds, and 4.1 assists. However, he played in just 19 games.
The Pistons clearly don’t want to send a max deal Duren’s way, but they’re still going to be willing to pay a lot for the veteran center, who might be on the same level as Sabonis, depending on how much stock you put into these rankings.
Duren’s Side
GettyWASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 17: Jalen Duren #0 of the Detroit Pistons controls the ball in front of Justin Champagnie #9 of the Washington Wizards during the second half at Capital One Arena on March 17, 2026 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
The veteran center needs all the good press he can get.
The Sabonis factor obviously doesn’t look great for him at this moment, but what about the others he’s around? Evan Mobley has a $269 million contract.
Ivica Zubac (No. 14) is making just $58.6 million over three years. Isaiah Hartenstein (No. 15) will earn $75.0 million over three years, after making $87.0 million in the last three seasons.
Outside of Mobley, being in this tier isn’t exactly helping Duren’s financial case.