NBA Rumors: Pistons, Jalen Duren, Isaac Okoro, Hawks, Peyton Watson

Pistons

Restricted free agent Jalen Duren could always accept his $9.6 million qualifying offer and become an unrestricted free agent next summer if he can’t reach a long-term agreement with the Pistons.

But people around the NBA apparently don’t think that’s a particularly good idea.

One Western Conference executive told Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints that taking the qualifying offer after an All-Star season would be “extremely reckless and foolish,” particularly given the injury risk and lack of long-term security.

The problem is that Duren and Detroit still appear to be pretty far apart.

The Pistons are hoping to pay the 22-year-old center somewhere in the neighborhood of $30 million to $35 million annually, while Duren is seeking a maximum-salary contract, per Siegel.

Talks are currently paused but are expected to resume later this month and could stretch into September. 

Pistons

Detroit also checked in on Clippers restricted free agent Bennedict Mathurin last month, but apparently has moved on.

The Pistons are no longer pursuing Mathurin, sources told Siegel.

Siegel indicated the Clippers could have interest in a package from the Bulls built around Isaac Okoro and second-round draft compensation, though it’s unclear whether Chicago would be willing to make such an offer.

Mathurin remains one of the more notable restricted free agents still available as teams continue to sort through what’s left of the summer market.

Hawks

The Hawks have significantly backed off their pursuit of Watson, according to Siegel, with Atlanta reluctant to meet the asking price of both the player and Denver.

There also reportedly continues to be considerable skepticism around the NBA that the Cavaliers will land Watson.

Instead, the Clippers and Bucks are viewed as more realistic sign-and-trade possibilities.

Los Angeles has indicated a willingness to include Derrick Jones Jr. in a potential deal, per Siegel, though Denver’s position above the second tax apron creates complications in constructing such a trade.

Perhaps most interestingly, Watson’s camp reportedly has felt “disrespected” by Denver’s contract offers and could prefer a sign-and-trade.

So while a return to the Nuggets certainly hasn’t been ruled out, this one doesn’t appear particularly close to a resolution.