The chatter surrounding Jalen Duren is picking up considerable momentum.
Only this Monday, word surfaced that the Detroit Pistons might be considering a sign-and-trade involving Duren, as contract talks between the two sides haven’t been progressing to the big man’s satisfaction.
The first potential landing spot that came to light was the Sacramento Kings. Sure, they have the financial means to give Duren what he wants, but is Sacramento really a destination he’d be excited about?
Then came the second mentioned suitor: the Los Angeles Lakers.
Now that one definitely grabs your attention.
If the Kings were to go after Duren in a sign-and-trade, they’d likely have to part with Domantas Sabonis.
The Lakers, on the other hand, have considerably more flexibility in their roster situation.
So how could L.A. pull this off?
The Lakers are sitting on a significant amount of cap space, which simplifies things considerably.
They could effectively take on Duren’s contract into that available room as part of a sign-and-trade, since the usual salary-matching constraints don’t apply as strictly when a team has as much open space as L.A. does.
Eventually, the Lakers will use that cap room one way or another over the offseason, but the timing here could line up well, especially with several players currently off the books and not yet re-signed.
Los Angeles could also incorporate Deandre Ayton into the sign-and-trade structure if that helps balance the deal for both organizations.
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