Trade & Free Agency 2026/2027

[HoosierDaddyKid]

With Duren known to be displeased during the process, in addition to the prospect of him taking a one-year qualifying offer ($9.6 million) before the Oct. 1 deadline, the move marked the first sign of progress in nearly six weeks. But Duren, who is eligible to receive a five-year, $287 million deal and was known to be seeking a contract worth at least $200 million, has thus far rebuffed the offer. With the two sides having gone weeks on end without communicating during this process, the waiting game continues as the season nears. Duren’s confidence is born out of the fact that his market for next summer looks quite robust. As The Athletic previously reported, the Sacramento Kings have signaled a willingness to pay him a max salary deal next summer. That alone has aided his leverage, but there are at least two other teams — including the Milwaukee Bucks — that are known to have serious interest in Duren (both now and, potentially, next summer).

New York Times