Pistons’ Jalen Duren gets free agency update from Lakers and Bulls

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The Detroit Pistons had one of the more impressive seasons in the NBA, though it ended with a second-round loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The Pistons also struggled in the first round against the Orlando Magic, being down 3-1 at one point. Had it not been for some injuries in Orlando, there was a very good chance that Detroit was going to get bounced in the first round after being the best team in the Eastern Conference throughout the year, after a 60-22 finish.

One of the primary reasons the Pistons were as bad as they were when it mattered most was Jalen Duren. Duren, who is one of the better centers in the NBA during the regular season, just wasn't himself in the postseason. As a result, some think he could leave in free agency for more money, with the Los Angeles Lakers and Chicago Bulls recently floated as two teams that could steal him.

“Duren is technically eligible for more than Reaves. As an All-NBA selection, he can make up to 30% of the cap, or $287.1 million across five years from the Pistons. His disastrous playoff run almost certainly precluded him from making the max or close to it. The Pistons have a real decision to make here, especially with a non-shooting perimeter player in Ausar Thompson critical to their build and eligible for a rookie extension this offseason. If Detroit has doubts, Duren could get a hefty offer sheet from the Lakers, Nets or Bulls. More likely, he's back in Detroit below his max,” Sam Quinn wrote.

I absolutely would not hate the idea of the Lakers or Bulls getting involved here.

The Lakers need a center who can make plays around the rim, while the Bulls are continuing to search for more young talent after drafting Caleb Wilson on Tuesday night. However, while Duren had a terrible playoff run, I think it's safe to say he will end up back in Detroit.