After dropping two Game 7 matchups during the playoffs, the Detroit Pistons were knocked out by the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Their elimination followed a dismal home performance in Game 7, where they suffered a 31-point loss.
Jalen Duren struggled significantly in the postseason. Although he earned third-team All-NBA honors, he failed to live up to that recognition when it mattered most. Over the playoffs, Duren posted modest averages of just 10.2 points and 8.5 rebounds per game, while shooting only 51.4% from the floor.
Nevertheless, Duren is seeking a substantial pay raise this offseason.
Pistons Center Jalen Duren Is Reportedly Demanding a Huge Contract Increase
According to ESPN’s Tim Bontemps, Duren is aiming for roughly $40 million per year—money typically reserved for elite players. This demand is especially puzzling given that Duren does not stretch the floor at all.
Bontemps notes that Duren could test the market and sign a max offer sheet with another team, forcing Detroit to decide whether to match.
“Though there’s a chance, especially after the impasse between the two sides last summer and fall during his extension negotiations, that Duren could seek a suitor to give him a hefty offer sheet that the Pistons would all but certainly match.”
Since Cade Cunningham enjoys playing alongside Duren, the Pistons would likely feel compelled to match any such offer. However, only a few teams have cap space this offseason, so Duren may struggle to find a willing suitor.
The last prominent center to have a max offer sheet matched in restricted free agency was Deandre Ayton, whom the Suns matched after he signed with the Indiana Pacers. Ayton has since moved on to his second team after being traded by Phoenix.
Detroit Needs to Make Upgrades Around Cade Cunningham
It appears Duren will return to the Pistons next season regardless of the price tag. But the size of his contract could significantly impact Detroit’s flexibility to improve the roster. Despite earning the top seed in the East, the team still needs better talent around Cunningham.
Their top priority will be finding a wing who can shoot. They’re also counting on internal development from a very young squad, and the roster doesn’t require a massive overhaul to remain competitive in the Eastern Conference.
Still, standing pat likely won’t be enough. The Knicks and Cavaliers have proven they are better than Detroit. Boston will be stronger next season with a healthy Jayson Tatum all year, and the same goes for Indiana with Tyrese Haliburton.
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