Jalen Duren, the Pistons' third-team All-NBA center, is actively exploring sign-and-trade opportunities away from Detroit after being underwhelmed by the team's restricted free agency offer. Duren almost immediately began strategizing about sign-and-trade scenarios out of town.

The Sacramento Kings and Los Angeles Lakers have officially entered the fray. Both teams are scheduled to meet with Duren after free agency commences on Tuesday. The Kings' visit may be in person or virtual, while the Lakers' meeting is expected to be by phone.

Sacramento intends to propose a sign-and-trade that would send three-time All-Star center Domantas Sabonis to Detroit. Sabonis, 30, has a combined $94 million remaining on his deal for the next two seasons. Duren very much wants to play in Sacramento, and Sabonis is likewise interested in the prospect of landing with the Pistons, potentially giving Detroit a worthy replacement for Duren if they decide not to close the gap in negotiations.

As for the Lakers, the team is on the lookout for an upgrade at the center spot, and Duren would certainly qualify. The Lakers' incumbent starting center, Deandre Ayton, picked up his $8.1 million player option Monday. In contrast to the Kings' scenario, the Lakers' best offerings might be draft capital rather than quality players, as Detroit could trade Duren into the Lakers’ salary-cap space. Lakers star Luka Dončić is a fan of Duren’s game, which is a monumental factor for any player who is trying to be welcomed into Crypto.com Arena these days.

It is unclear how the Pistons might see either scenario. To this point, Detroit has been signaling a strong desire to keep Duren, who averaged a double-double during the regular season but struggled in the playoffs. Because he was selected to the All-NBA third team, Duren is eligible for a five-year, $287.1 million extension that would account for 30 percent of the Pistons’ salary cap. Detroit can match any free-agent contract Duren signs with another team, which is why he is seeking sign-and-trade scenarios.

Duren, 22, averaged 19.5 points on 65 percent shooting and 10.5 rebounds in 70 regular-season games, finishing as the runner-up for the NBA’s Most Improved Player award. Yet in 14 playoff games against the Orlando Magic and the Cleveland Cavaliers, Duren averaged just 10.2 points while taking 7.8 shots per game and shooting 51 percent.