Training camp is just a little more than a month away, and Pistons center Jalen Duren remains unsigned.
But as of now, Detroit has no interest in a sign-and-trade arrangement, according to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon.
Duren, 22, is a restricted free agent, meaning the Pistons will have a right to match any outside offers. That said, it’s almost September and no outside offers have been made.
Nevertheless, the Pistons “absolutely, positively, 100 percent intend to keep (Duren), and made it clear to anybody pursuing him in sign-and-trade possibilities like, you’re wasting your time.”
Duren has been linked to several teams over the summer, including the Lakers and Trail Blazers, but that was long before most of those teams made other moves.
Most around the NBA who spoke to Hoops Wire strongly believe Duren and Detroit will eventually strike a deal. There is, after all, still time.
The Pistons want Duren back. By all accounts, Duren wants to return. Now it’s just about finding the dollars that make the most sense.
Detroit is coming off a 60-win season and second-round playoff appearance. Duren averaged a career-high 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds in 70 regular-season games along the way.
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