On behalf of the Detroit Pistons, Dwane Casey genuinely hopes to see Jalen Duren return to the organization.
With the big man’s restricted free agency still unresolved due to an ongoing contract impasse, the former Pistons head coach now serving as an advisor remains optimistic that the two sides will ultimately come together on a long-term deal.
“He’s ours, we’re happy to have him,” Casey said on SiriusXM NBA Radio. “I know Trajan [Langdon] is excited, JB [Bickerstaff] loves him.
“He’s ours and hopefully, we get things worked out.”
Pistons hoping to retain Jalen Duren in free agency
Amid the flurry of major trades and unexpected twists that have already defined the wild 2026 NBA offseason, Duren is still waiting on the market as a restricted free agent.
Unsatisfied with Detroit’s offer and feeling overlooked, he met with several teams most notably the Los Angeles Lakers and Sacramento Kings in pursuit of a more favorable situation.
So far, though, the deal he wants hasn’t materialized. The Lakers filled their center spot by acquiring Walker Kessler through a sign-and-trade with Utah, and the Kings have yet to make a move for Duren. For now, he faces growing uncertainty about whether he can land a new opportunity outside Detroit and secure the payday he believes he’s earned.
In the meantime, the Pistons remain calm, prepared to match any offer Duren receives, and ready to welcome their star center back.
Duren had a breakout 2025-26 campaign, earning his first All-Star and All-NBA selections with averages of 19.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 2.0 assists over 70 games. However, his playoff performance took a sharp and historic downturn, which has fueled the current contract friction.
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