If the Detroit Pistons get to a point of no return with the veteran center Jalen Duren, there might be a team out there willing to seriously consider giving the star center the contract he desires, leaving the Pistons with a notable return.
While Duren’s value is currently down due to the playoff struggles he had, he’s still a star-caliber frontcourt player at just 22 years old. If the Pistons were to part ways with him, they would need a star-caliber player in return.
A recent list of top landing spots for Duren was put together by Bleacher Report. The Houston Rockets were suggested for the big man.
What Can The Rockets Offer?
GettyHOUSTON, TEXAS – OCTOBER 24: Alperen Sengun #28 of the Houston Rockets shoot a layup against Paul Reed #7 of the Detroit Pistons in the second half of the game at Toyota Center on October 24, 2025 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)
Grant Hughes of BR suggests that the Rockets could put together a package that’s headlined by Alperen Sengun.
The 24-year-old center has established himself as one of the top young bigs in the game. However, Sengun has turned in his fair share of disappointing playoff runs as well.
“Another playmaking sign-and-trade option: Sending Duren to the Houston Rockets for Alperen Sengün. The mechanics would be tricky (just as they would for LA), but Duren would work well with the existing young core of Reed Sheppard, Amen Thompson and Jabari Smith Jr,” Hughes wrote.
Would Sengun Make Sense For The Pistons?
GettyHOUSTON, TEXAS – OCTOBER 24: Alperen Sengun #28 of the Houston Rockets is defended by Tobias Harris #12 of the Detroit Pistons in the first half of the game at Toyota Center on October 24, 2025 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)
In this case, Detroit would go slightly older for a player with five seasons of experience. Sengun is a two-time All-Star, and clearly a better overall scorer than Duren.
The Pistons showed an interest in picking up a more modern center with versatility last summer, before Duren had his All-NBA run. Sengun isn’t a surefire three-level scorer, but he has more range compared to Duren.
And while Sengun’s recent playoff run took a lot of heat from critics, he still posted better numbers than Detroit’s big man, averaging 20.3 points and 10.2 rebounds in six games.
The idea of getting a star-level center in order to avoid a potentially frustrated Duren is intriguing for the Pistons. However, the Rockets aren’t currently seen as serious suitors for Detroit’s young center.