The Detroit Pistons still have a big Jalen Duren question to answer this summer.
We wrote an article just last week detailing whether Jalen Duren is doing enough to warrant an extension. Both he and Jaden Ivey are due for a pay day after this season, and some major questions still need to be answered within the organization.
If that answer is no, and Jalen Duren is not deemed a part of the Detroit Pistons’ future, maybe they can use the Mark Williams trade as a guide post on what to ask for the young big man.
First and foremost, Rob Pelinka is operating a masterclass for the Lakers at this trade deadline. It’s important to note that he has made multiple trades over the last few days, and the Lakers seem to be on the better side of each one. So whatever package is made, it likely will fall short of these. With that being said, Mark Williams was just traded to LA for the following: Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, a 2031 first-round pick and a 2030 pick swap.
Two former first round picks, a future first round pick, and a future pick swap. Now, that can be deceiving as Cam Reddish can be, and is, considered a first round bust. Knecht, however, is a rookie, albeit an older one, who is very intriguing. His major knock coming out of this last draft was his age, already 23 years old, but he’s had a decent rookie year. He averaged 9.4 points, 3.1 rebounds, and was 46.5% from the field in general. He’s shown rookie struggles, but has also shown an ability to do what he did best in college, score. Add that to a future first and pick swap, and it’s a decent return.
Jalen Duren vs. Mark Williams
Comparing Williams to Jalen Duren is actually easier than you might think. Both big men are talented, traditional centers who struggle on the defensive side. Mark is listed at 7’0, compared to Duren’s 6’10, and has the largest reach in the NBA which gives him a clear advantage over Duren. Jalen, however, is younger, more athletic, and has a better injury history. Here are their other numbers side-by-side.
1. Jalen Duren
Points: 10.7, Assists: 2.3, Rebounds: 10, Stocks: 1.8, eFG%: .698
2. Mark Williams
Points: 15.6, Assists: 2.5, Rebounds: 9.6, Stocks: 1.9, eFG%: .586
The two aren't far apart, so it's safe to assume Duren has a similar value in a trade.
Lakers made a call about a Jalen Duren trade
So, the question will be asked at the end of this year, does Jalen Duren factor into Detroit’s long term plans. And if that answer is no, could Detroit use the Williams trade as a base point? It is rumored that the Lakers called Detroit about Duren before trading for Williams.
The Lakers eventually landed Williams in exchange for Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, a 2031 1st-round pick and a 2030 swap, which feels iike a good haul for Charlotte given how much Williams has been hurt thus far in his career.
The exact details of what the Lakers offered for Duren are unknown, and it's possible they preferred Williams because of his contract situation, which is not as daunting as Duren's, but we can assume if there was an offer, it was similar to this.
If the Pistons did turn down a good young playe,r a first and a swap for Duren, then it may indicate that they do view him as part of their long-term future.