Bucks Join Jalen Duren Sweepstakes with Myles Turner as Trade Centerpiece

The Jalen Duren saga continues to attract suitors. The Milwaukee Bucks have reportedly shown serious interest in acquiring the Detroit Pistons center via trade, with Myles Turner as the primary piece in the deal, according to Sam Amick.

Why Turner Makes Sense

The logic behind the proposal has two components. The first is salary-related: Turner is under contract for $26 million this season, plus two additional years at $27.85 million and a player option worth $29.11 million for 2028-29. These figures allow for a deal to work for a player seeking a maximum contract.

The second is basketball-related. Detroit would lose its starting center but would receive an interior player with a very different profile—more defensive-minded and capable of spacing the floor with three-point shooting, something Duren doesn't provide.

In any case, the Bucks would need to include additional players or salary to make the numbers work.

The Other Option: Sacramento

Milwaukee isn't alone in the pursuit. According to Amick, the Sacramento Kings have signaled their intention to offer Duren a maximum contract next summer, when the player could hit the free agent market without restrictions if he accepts the qualifying offer. Amick also notes that at least two other teams have shown serious interest.

2025-26 Season Numbers

Last season was his breakout year. Duren averaged 19.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 2 assists per game across 70 contests, shooting 65 percent from the field—numbers that earned him his first All-Star selection and a spot on the NBA's All-Third Team.

At 22 years old, that performance is the foundation of his demands: he's seeking an annual salary near 25 percent of the salary cap, roughly $41 million, while the Pistons won't go above $30 million.

Where the Stalemate Lies

Detroit has maintained two firm positions for weeks: not reaching that figure and not facilitating any sign-and-trade agreement. The franchise just locked up Ausar Thompson with a $155 million deal over five years, a striking contrast to its center's situation.

With negotiations stalled, the scenario gaining traction is Duren accepting the qualifying offer, playing one season for roughly $9.5 million, and hitting the free agent market without restrictions in 2027. That's where the Bucks, the Kings, and other interested teams would be waiting.