When it comes to Jalen Duren, the Detroit Pistons don’t have much competition for his services on the free agency market–if any at all.
That wasn’t always the case. Before free agency fired up, the Pistons watched Duren meet with the Los Angeles Lakers and the Sacramento Kings.
However, the Lakers moved on, and the Kings faced the reality that the Pistons didn’t want to part ways with the star center.
As a result, Duren is more than likely expected to accept a multi-year deal from the Pistons, which won’t be the max–or accept a one-year, qualifying offer.
Do The Pistons Have A Threat?
GettyDETROIT, MICHIGAN – MAY 03: Jalen Duren #0 and Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons celebrate a basket against the Orlando Magic during the first quarter in Game Seven of the First Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena on May 03, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
They don’t, but in a list of top targets for Jalen Duren’s services, Bleacher Report suggests that the Los Angeles Clippers could be a top fit sleeper.
Listed as the second-best fit for Duren, BR’s Grant Hughes suggests that a deal including Darius Garland could help get the Pistons a proven, star guard, while cutting ties with Jalen Duren.
The Darius Garland Trade Idea
GettyINGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 11: Darius Garland #10 of the Los Angeles Clippers reacts to being called for a foul during the first half of a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Intuit Dome on March 11, 2026 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
“If the Pistons get too worried about Duren accepting the qualifying offer and want to address their secondary creation needs, a sign-and-trade deal with the Clippers that returns point guard Darius Garland might be worth exploring,” Hughes wrote.
“Duren would give the Clippers a scoring threat, rebounder and roll man to pair with rookie guard Keaton Wagler.”
The Pistons struggled to land their All-Star guard targets this offseason. Garland is an interesting player for Detroit. He is a 38.9% shooter from three, who has averaged 18.9 points per game throughout his career.
The 26-year-old wouldn’t get a chance to run point for the Pistons, as the ball will be in Cade Cunningham’s hands, but he could also give the Pistons some quality on-ball minutes with Cunningham off the floor.
The Clippers just traded for Garland last season. Their chances of moving him again are slim. But if Duren does have a fan in the Clippers, then the Pistons probably wouldn’t hesitate to talk shop if Garland’s on the table.