When Jalen Duren made it clear that he was going to speak to other teams in NBA free agency, the Sacramento Kings were hoping to strike a sign-and-trade with the Detroit Pistons for the young center.
The immediate thought around the NBA was that the Pistons would end up with Domantas Sabonis as the headliner in a return.
GettySACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 12: Domantas Sabonis #11 of the Sacramento Kings is guarded by Kristaps Porzingis #8 of the Atlanta Hawks during the first half at Golden 1 Center on November 12, 2025 in Sacramento, California. 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 Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
That idea was shot down just as fast as it was suggested. The Athletic’s Sam Amick reported that the Pistons did not have interest in the veteran center on June 30. Since then, the Kings haven’t been talked about much in the Duren market.
Domantas Sabonis Trade Update Proves Detroit Pistons Made The Right Choice
GettySACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 12: Domantas Sabonis #11 of the Sacramento Kings dribbles the ball against the Atlanta Hawks at Golden 1 Center on November 12, 2025 in Sacramento, California. 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 Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
At this stage of the offseason, the Pistons made the clear right choice not only to hold firm in their Duren standoff, but by avoiding Sabonis.
According to the NBA analyst Zach Lowe, Sabonis’ value remains at an all-time low, along with the Kings forward, Zach LaVine.
âTheyâre not getting anything [for Zach LaVine]. Sabonis, theyâll get something. It wonât be like a dump, where they have to attach things, but LaVine is a dump. Sabonis, youâre not getting anything thatâs like, oh wow, this young prospect thatâs very exciting. Youâre not getting that. You are just getting something thatâs a little less damaging and some seconds or something,” Lowe said regarding the Kings.
GettySACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 12: Domantas Sabonis #11 of the Sacramento Kings is guarded by Kristaps Porzingis #8 of the Atlanta Hawks during the first quarter at Golden 1 Center on November 12, 2025 in Sacramento, California. 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 Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Sabonis just wrapped up year five with the Kings. He appeared in just 19 games, averaging 15.8 points, 11.4 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game.
If the Pistons feel like they have no choice but to cut ties with Duren, then Sabonis at a massive discount could be an option.
But again, the Pistons have the leverage in their situation. Duren doesn’t want to sign what they are offering, but he isn’t getting anything anywhere else. The Los Angeles Lakers moved on, and the Kings don’t have the players that appeal to the Pistons.
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