The Detroit Pistons are looking to make a splash, and what better way to do so than by stealing an All-NBA talent from a rival team?
Detroit capitalizing on the Boston Celtics' fractured relationship with Jaylen Brown seemed like a pipe dream at first, given it would likely cost Trajan Langdon much more than the team would like to spend.
However, according to NBA Insider Jake Fischer's latest scoop of intel, the Pistons' stalled contract negotiations with big man Jalen Duren have led the two sides to explore sign-and-trade scenarios when free agency opens, and one scenario that has specifically not been ruled out is a Duren for Brown sign-and-trade.
Boston is searching for a frontcourt upgrade, and with a 22-year-old coming off an All-NBA season of his own, Duren fits the bill for what the Celtics could be looking for.
Beyond the reasons why Detroit should jump at this opportunity, though, these reports just clarify exactly how the Pistons view the future for Duren in the Motor City.
Pistons fully open to moving on from Jalen Duren in the right deal
Detroit doesn't exactly want to lose Duren in free agency, and arguably the biggest reason why is the former first-round pick's relationship with superstar guard Cade Cunningham.
Still, after a career year that deemed him supermax eligible, Duren clearly believes that he's worthy of a massive payday, while his postseason collapse directly gave Detroit's front office all the leverage in talks to do everything possible to not ink him to the five-year, $287 million contract he could receive.
With Duren's camp seemingly pushing for a sign-and-trade this offseason, Detroit is wisely looking around the league to consider potential moves to upgrade their roster.
The most obvious big name on the trade market right now is Jaylen Brown, whose fit in J.B. Bickerstaff's system would be perfect.
As a two-way wing who's coming off an MVP-caliber season, he's the exact type of major swing that would give Cunningham a running mate that elevates them directly into the contender conversation.
At the same time, a direct swap of Duren and Brown would hinge on the Celtics wanting to make an offer to the big man in free agency, and then it would still require Detroit giving up additional compensation to get a deal over the finish line.
The biggest takeaway from this entire saga ahead, though, is that Detroit is willing to play hardball with Duren, and while they'd like to have him back, they have no inclination to offer him the massive payday he's seeking.
For the right deal, the Pistons will move on from Duren, whether that's for Brown or another package they deem makes sense.
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