The Waiting Game
Although training camp has begun, the league’s top narrative involves the dispute between Jalen Duren and the Detroit Pistons. Duren is a restricted free agent who must decide by tomorrow if he plays on a $9.6 million qualifying offer. If he signs that short-term deal, he becomes an unrestricted free agent next summer. This opens the door for teams like the Atlanta Hawks to make a major move. According to Sports Illustrated, the Pistons have turned away sign-and-trade offers so far, but they lose all power if Duren takes the qualifying offer. The Hawks could land him for a massive haul next year if they are patient.
ESPN’s Marc Spears noted that the Hawks have shown interest in a potential sign-and-trade. He reported that a Pistons source thinks there is still optimism Duren will sign the big deal. But if that does not happen, Duren could walk into a situation where Atlanta has the money to pay him. Among the teams expected to possess significant cap space next summer are the Hawks. This makes waiting a smart play for the front office.
Cap Space and Roster Fit
Atlanta is building a roster that fits Duren’s skills. The team has guaranteed contracts for Jalen Johnson at $30 million, Dyson Daniels at $25 million, and Onyeka Okongwu at $16.88 million. They also have Nickeil Alexander-Walker at $15.16 million and Corey Kispert at $13.02 million. Several other players like Aaron Wiggins and Kingston Flemings are on smaller deals. Once expiring contracts for CJ McCollum and Lu Dort are removed from the books, the Hawks might exceed $50 million in cap space. If they find a way to move Kispert, that number could go even higher.
Duren is an incredible rebounder and a physical player who would help the Hawks right away. Yet his defensive performance fluctuates, and he fails to stretch the floor effectively. This makes it tough to give him a huge contract right now. Atlanta may now be in a position to accept that specific risk. With Johnson, Daniels, and Okongwu on the roster, Duren could fit into an advantageous situation. The Hawks need a center who can grab boards, and Duren does that better than most.
A Hungry Locker Room
The culture in Atlanta is ready for a player like Duren. New wing Aaron Wiggins said the team has a strong desire to do better than last season. “Everybody here, obviously, you know, with the way the season ended last year amongst this crew, there’s a hunger from these guys,” Wiggins said. He added that the team is ready to learn and grow together. This hunger matches what a young center like Duren needs to succeed. He wants to play for a team that is serious about winning.
Lu Dort, another new addition, believes the potential is there for a deep playoff run. He observed that the potential and talent exist, noting that he clearly sees it. “We got a lot of guys that can do a little bit of everything,” Dort said. “Guys that can guard, attack, shoot. That’s what you need on a team.” If the Hawks wait until next summer, they can pair Duren with this hungry group. The Pistons might lose him for nothing if they do not act, but Atlanta should not rush. The best deal for both sides might come in the summer of 2027.
