Pistons Refuse Duren Sign-And-Trade

The Pistons are refusing sign-and-trade talks for restricted free agent Jalen Duren, while Bulls rookie Noa Essengue faces criticism and Magic guard Jalen

The Detroit Pistons have no interest in sign-and-trade scenarios for restricted free agent center Jalen Duren, according to ESPN's Tim MacMahon. Duren, a third-team All-NBA selection, is the last remaining restricted free agent on the market after Bennedict Mathurin's qualifying offer was withdrawn by the Clippers.

MacMahon stated the Pistons' position clearly on the Hoop Collective podcast. "The one restricted free agency situation that remains unresolved is Jalen Duren, who the Pistons absolutely, positively, 100 percent intend to keep, and made it clear to anybody pursuing him in sign-and-trade possibilities like, you’re wasting your time," he said. Duren had reportedly sought sign-and-trade options when free agency opened due to dissatisfaction with Detroit's offers, meeting with the Lakers and drawing interest from Sacramento.

The Pistons' stance has not changed.

Essengue's Bulls Future in Doubt

Chicago Bulls forward Noa Essengue may need to adjust his approach to secure his place with the team. The 12th overall pick from a year ago faces a new front office and coaching staff with no prior connection to him. Essengue missed almost his entire rookie season following shoulder surgery.

A source told the Chicago Sun-Times' Joe Cowley that the 19-year-old has been "spoken to about his lack of physicality and been warned about his emotions on the court."

New head coach Tiago Splitter benched Essengue in the second half of his first summer league game last month. Splitter questioned whether the forward's tentativeness was injury-related. "I don’t know if it’s because of the injury," Splitter said.

"He’s got to maybe bring a little more force in everything he does. That’s something we’re working on." Essengue's summer league performance is detailed in the team's stats page.

Cowley suggests the 6'8"forward could become a trade candidate before the February deadline if his passivity continues into training camp and the regular season."He’s really shared the vision in which we want to play and the type of player he wants me to be for our team to help maximize our unit as a whole," Suggs said of Sweeney. They have watched film together. Suggs expressed excitement about their shared goal.

"The fact that we get to connect here and continue to chase a common goal of making deep playoff runs and go and accomplish something that the city has never done before, it’s nothing short of a blessing." The Magic's squad page reflects this developing partnership as the team prepares for the new season.

Source: Hoops Rumors