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Could the Knicks swing a deal for young Pistons center?

Jalen Duren, Knicks

Jalen Duren, KnicksCredit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Apr 9, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (0) dribbles the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers during the third quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Knicks are continuing their search for center depth following the departure of Isaiah Hartenstein. Internally, Jericho Sims and Ariel Hukporti present the current options to be Mitchell Robinson’s backup, but that might not be good enough. A recent mock trade proposal sees the Knicks swinging a trade for Detroit Pistons C Jalen Duren.

Fan favorite guard could be on the move in the near future
May 19, 2024; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Miles McBride (2) drives to the basket against Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell (9) during the fourth quarter of game seven of the second round of the 2024 NBA playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY SportsCredit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Sean Deveney of Heavy proposed a deal involving Miles McBride, and draft capital to acquire Duren. The full trade is as follows:

Pistons receive: Miles McBride, two first-round picks

Knicks receive: Jalen Duren

McBride has been dangled in trade talks recently given the Knicks have solid guard depth with Tyler Kolek, and Cameron Payne also on the team’s bench. McBride broke out last season following the departure of Immanuel Quickley in the OG Anunoby deal.

Jalen Duren is one of the best young centers in the NBA
Nov 30, 2023; New York, New York, USA; Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (0) shoots the ball as New York Knicks guard RJ Barrett (9) and forward Julius Randle (30) and center Isaiah Hartenstein (55) defend during the second half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY SportsCredit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Duren could provide the Knicks with a very solid option at center. The 20-year-old is already one of the league’s best rebounders, and took a nice step forward in his second NBA season in 2024. Duren averaged 13.8 points and 11.6 rebounds per game for Detroit last season.

Duren’s activity on the glass at such a young age could be the perfect storm to develop under head coach Tom Thibodeau, who has helped transform many centers’ careers in his tenure with the Knicks.

Knicks traded for Duren’s draft rights in 2022
Jalen Duren, KnicksCredit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports

The Knicks have some familiarity with Duren. On draft night in 2022, his draft rights were traded to the Knicks from the Charlotte Hornets. The Knicks then traded his rights to the Pistons. Now, two years later, the Knicks could once again be in play for his services.

Duren could be a formidable option for a Knicks team in need of big-man depth. New York will continue to look at all of their options ahead of next season, as they aim to maximize their roster for a competitive 2024-2025 season.

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Source link : https://empiresportsmedia.com/new-york-knicks/could-the-knicks-swing-a-deal-for-young-pistons-center/amp/

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Publish date : 2024-07-23 14:44:04

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