Report: Duren, Kemba heading to Pistons in 3-way deal with Knicks, Hornets

Memphis standout Jalen Duren is heading to the Detroit Pistons as part of a three-way trade involving the New York Knicks and Charlotte Hornets, a source told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

Charlotte selected the Tigers center with the 13th overall selection in Thursday's draft and subsequently dealt him to the Knicks for a 2023 first-round selection, three 2023 second-rounders, and a 2024 second-round pick, the Hornets announced Thursday.

Duren was then rerouted to the Pistons along with guard Kemba Walker, The Athletic's Shams Charania reports.

Meanwhile, the Knicks receive a 2025 first-round pick from Detroit, ESPN's Zach Lowe reports. The draft selection was reportedly acquired from the Portland Trail Blazers as part of the Jerami Grant deal.

Duren is one of the most physically gifted players in this year's class. The 18-year-old stands 6-foot-11 and boasts a 7-foot-5 wingspan. He averaged 12 points, 8.1 boards, and 2.1 blocks over 29 appearances with the Tigers last season.

Duren is an explosive leaper capable of reeling in any lob with his large catch radius. The All-AAC first-team selection also flashed some passing skills and the ability to defend on the perimeter.

Meanwhile, Walker's homecoming in the Big Apple didn't go as planned. He began the 2021-22 campaign as the Knicks' starting point guard before completely falling out of the club's rotation. The UConn product averaged a career-low 11.6 points, 3.5 assists, and 3 boards over 37 appearances.

The move creates additional cap space for the Knicks heading into free agency.

Walker and the Pistons are expected to discuss a contract buyout, which would allow the veteran guard to hit free agency, according to Wojnarowski.