In a surprising development, the Detroit Pistons secured promising center Jalen Duren with the 13th overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. Originally, his draft rights were traded from the Charlotte Hornets to the New York Knicks, but he eventually ended up with the Pistons.
Knicks’ Center Search
The Knicks traded Duren’s rights to clear salary cap space by signing Jalen Brunson and Isaiah Hartenstein, acquiring three first-round picks. Now, the Knicks actively seek a long-term center to complement Mitchell Robinson, making Duren a valuable asset they may regret not having kept.
**Pistons’ Rebuilding Strategy**
The Pistons are in the midst of a rebuild and, with the recent extension of Cade Cunningham, may look to expedite this process. The Knicks, on the other hand, are on the lookout for a new center, and a trade for Duren could significantly bolster their lineup. They might be willing to trade a solid player, potentially someone like shooter Miles McBride, to facilitate this move.
**Duren’s Impressive Performance**
At just 20 years old, Duren is coming off a strong second season, averaging 13.8 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game, while shooting 61.9% from the field across 61 games. With his current contract in place, including a $4.5 million option for this season and a $6.5 million option for the 2025-26 season, he presents a cost-effective option for the Knicks. By the time Duren’s contract expires, Robinson’s deal will also be up, allowing the Knicks to potentially allocate funds toward retaining Duren.
**Trade Possibilities**
Combining Duren with Robinson could create a formidable defensive and rebounding duo, with each playing around 24 minutes per game. A proposed trade from Fadeaway World suggests:
**Detroit Pistons Receive:**
– Miles McBride
– 2025 First-Round Pick (DET)
– 2025 Second-Round Pick (BOS/MEM)
– 2026 Second-Round Picks (NYK, GSW)
– 2027 Second-Round Pick (MIN)
With the Knicks holding several second-round picks and McBride’s playing time likely diminishing due to roster changes, trading for Duren could be advantageous.
**Preparing for the Future**
Given Robinson’s injury history and the Knicks’ reliance on backups like Julius Randle, Precious Achiuwa, and Jericho Sims, adding Duren could offer immediate starting potential and long-term stability. The Knicks are also exploring other center options, such as Walker Kessler and Clint Capela, but a trade for Duren remains a strong consideration as they aim to strengthen their roster.
