What happened: The hypothetical framework would send Jalen Duren from the Detroit Pistons to the Boston Celtics on a four-year sign-and-trade. Detroit and Duren remain at an impasse over his next contract as September approaches.
Why it matters: Detroit signaled in July that it had no interest in facilitating a Duren sign-and-trade, creating a central obstacle. Accepting his $9.6 million qualifying offer would make Duren an unrestricted free agent next summer.
By the numbers: The proposed contract averages about $45.2 million annually. Duren's $9.6 million qualifying offer is roughly 21% of that annual value.
What to watch: Contract talks and any change in Detroit's position bear watching before 2026-27 training camp.