In one of the strangest trades of NBA draft night, the Detroit Pistons acquired University of Memphis big man Jalen Duren in a three-way deal with the New York Knicks and Charlotte Hornets, per multiple reports.
The Hornets drafted Duren with the No. 13 overall pick and sent it to the Pistons via the Knicks, who added Kemba Walker to Detroit’s package. The Pistons plan to negotiate a buyout of Walker’s $9.2 million salary next season, which would make the 32-year-old a free agent, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Pistons general manager Troy Weaver reportedly targeted two players in the lottery and landed both elite athletes: Duren and Purdue University guard Jaden Ivey, who earlier fell into Detroit’s lap at No. 5 overall.
The Hornets will reportedly receive the top-four protected 2025 first-round pick from the Milwaukee Bucks that Detroit acquired in its trade of Jerami Grant on Wednesday.
The Knicks cleared Walker’s contract from their books, signaling an effort to create enough salary cap space to chase free agents next week.
Check back soon for more details.
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