The Detroit Pistons showed progress this season, advancing to the second round of the playoffs before falling to the Cleveland Cavaliers in a seven-game series. They’ve built a solid core, and one of their key offseason priorities is signing Jalen Duren to an extension.
The young big man made significant strides during the regular season but struggled in the playoffs, which some observers think could influence his contract negotiations, according to ESPN’s Tim Bontemps.
Bontemps notes that Duren is still expected to command a deal worth nearly $40 million per year, reflecting his growth, value to the team, and strong connection with Pistons star guard Cade Cunningham. However, given the tense extension talks between Duren and the Pistons last summer and fall, there’s a chance he could test the market and sign an offer sheet with another team—though Detroit would almost certainly match it.
One league executive shared how discussions might unfold. If Duren pushes for a max contract, the Pistons will likely tell him to find one elsewhere. But because he’s closely aligned with Cunningham, the team will need to handle the situation delicately.
There’s little doubt Detroit will extend Duren—the real question is the price. The team still has areas to address, and the playoffs made it clear they need another reliable scorer alongside Cunningham.
How they’ll find that scoring help remains uncertain, as does whether they believe Duren can elevate his game further. They may be counting on internal improvement, since any external solution could cost assets they’re not yet ready to part with.
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