Contract talks between Jalen Duren and the Detroit Pistons stay at an deadlock, with the All-Star middle persevering with to hunt the complete five-year, $287 million designated rookie most contract, in line with Kelly Iko of Yahoo Sports.
Iko reported that there’s nonetheless a big hole between the 2 sides, writing: “We’re speaking a couple of multi-million greenback distinction in valuation between participant and group — this might take some time.”
The newest report follows earlier indications that negotiations have stalled. Ramona Shelburne beforehand reported that discussions could extend into August, whereas Jake Fischer famous that Duren has not dominated out signing his $9.62 million qualifying supply. Doing so would permit the 22-year-old to change into an unrestricted free agent in the summertime of 2027 slightly than remaining underneath Detroit’s long-term management.
Duren’s negotiating place is backed by a breakout 2025-26 marketing campaign that established him as one of many league’s high younger facilities. He averaged 19.5 factors, 10.5 rebounds and a couple of.0 assists whereas taking pictures 65.0% from the sector in 70 regular-season video games. He earned his first All-Star choice, was named to the All-NBA Third Staff and completed eleventh in Defensive Participant of the Yr voting.
These honors made Duren eligible for the designated rookie most extension. Nevertheless, earlier experiences indicated Detroit’s affords have been nearer to 5 years and roughly $175 million, leaving greater than $100 million separating the 2 sides’ valuations.
The contract dispute comes after Duren helped lead one of many NBA’s greatest turnarounds. Detroit completed 60-22, the most effective file within the Japanese Convention after successful simply 43 video games mixed over the earlier two seasons. Cade Cunningham additionally loved a profession yr, averaging 23.9 factors and 9.9 assists whereas ending fifth in MVP voting.
Regardless of that regular-season success, Detroit’s entrance workplace has reportedly weighed Duren’s playoff efficiency throughout negotiations. In 14 postseason video games, he averaged 10.2 factors and eight.5 rebounds because the Pistons defeated the Orlando Magic in seven video games earlier than falling to the Cleveland Cavaliers in seven video games through the Japanese Convention semifinals after holding a 2-0 sequence lead.
Earlier this offseason, Chris Haynes reported that Duren had change into annoyed with the best way Detroit dealt with his restricted free company. In line with Haynes, the younger middle would like to go away the franchise if negotiations in the end drive him to play on the qualifying supply, although that path would require sacrificing substantial assured cash within the quick time period.
The Pistons have nonetheless continued constructing round Cunningham whereas sustaining flexibility. Detroit created extra cap room by means of a six-team commerce earlier this month and added veterans John Collins, Taurean Prince, Gary Harris and Isaiah Joe to strengthen a roster that already completed atop the Japanese Convention standings.
For now, Detroit nonetheless controls the method as a restricted free agent by holding matching rights on any exterior supply sheet. Nevertheless, with Duren sustaining his demand for the complete $287 million most contract and the group reportedly unwilling to fulfill that determine, one of many NBA’s most important restricted free company negotiations seems removed from decision.
