Milwaukee Bucks eye Jalen Duren to anchor post-Giannis era

Following the trade of Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Miami Heat, the Milwaukee Bucks are seeking a new centerpiece to anchor their roster. The team has expressed serious interest in Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren.

Duren, a 22-year-old All-NBA player, is currently in a contract standoff with Detroit. While the Pistons have offered a five-year, $200 million fully guaranteed contract, Duren remains unsigned. A potential three-team sign-and-trade could see Duren move to Milwaukee in exchange for Tyler Herro and Kel’el Ware, alongside a 2031 first-round pick.

In the wake of the Antetokounmpo deal, the Bucks have acquired several new players, including Kasparas Jakučionis, who is being viewed as a potential standout after a productive first year in Miami. The franchise also secured significant draft capital, including the No. 13 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft and multiple future first-round picks.