Bucks Reportedly Eyeing Pistons Center Jalen Duren

Milwaukee has joined the list of teams with serious interest in Duren as his contract dispute with Detroit remains unresolved.

The Milwaukee Bucks are reportedly monitoring Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren, according to The Athletic reporting relayed by Hoops Wire. At least two teams beyond Detroit are described as having genuine interest in the 22-year-old, both currently and heading into next offseason.

The Sacramento Kings have indicated they would put a maximum deal in front of Duren should he become an unrestricted free agent in 2027. Milwaukee's involvement adds a wrinkle since the two clubs share the Central Division, and Detroit has shown no appetite for strengthening a rival.

No active talks between the franchises have been confirmed, and no trade package has surfaced. Detroit has also discouraged sign-and-trade inquiries and has maintained it plans to keep Duren despite tense negotiations. Milwaukee may also struggle to assemble a compelling offer, with Myles Turner already anchoring its frontcourt.

For Duren's representatives, the Bucks' interest functions mainly as leverage while weighing Detroit's reported five-year, $200 million proposal against playing on the qualifying offer. That one-year deal is worth $9.615 million, with an October 1 deadline that the Pistons could push back. Accepting it would make Duren unrestricted in 2027 and allow him to block any trade this season, but it would mean risking $200 million in guaranteed money.

Duren posted 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds per game while Detroit won 60 games last season. His numbers dipped to 10.2 and 8.5 over 14 playoff contests, which the club has cited in declining to go to the five-year, $287 million supermax. Detroit still holds his rights and has improved its offer, leaving the ultimate outcome in the Pistons' hands for now.