Pistons reportedly increase contract offer for restricted free agent Jalen Duren to 5 years, $200 million

One week before NBA teams are scheduled to open training camp, the Detroit Pistons have reportedly made an effort to get restricted free-agent center Jalen Duren to report.

After the Pistons and Duren spent the offseason at a stalemate over a reported five-year, $190 million contract proposal. the team has reportedly increased its offer to $200 million, according to multiple reports.

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However, that still may not be enough to entice Duren to sign because the 6-foot-10 center is eligible for a max extension of five years and $287 million after being named Third Team All-NBA last season. Yet the Pistons are apparently unwilling to go that high and devote a portion of their salary cap to a $57 million average annual wage.

Last season, Duren averaged 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds per game and was named to the Eastern Conference All-Star team for the first time, in addition to earning Third Team All-NBA honors.

However, his production declined notably during the playoffs, sliding to 10.8 points and 8.5 rebounds. That was perceived as of the reasons why the top-seeded Pistons (60-22 during the regular season) lost in the second round of the NBA playoffs to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

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Frustration over the Pistons’ lower offer — whether from Duren himself or his representation — has resulted in the fifth-year pro reportedly contemplating taking a one-year, $9.6 million qualifying offer and then becoming an unrestricted free agent after this season.

The risk would be considerable. If Duren suffers an injury or puts up subpar numbers, he jeopardizes a lucrative max contract from the open market.

Additionally, by taking the qualifying offer then getting a four-year, $189 max contract (only Detroit can offer him more) in the offseason, Duren wouldn’t make more money than the $200 million that the Pistons are reportedly currently offering. (He would max out at $198.8 million, to be exact.)

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Yet Duren would be banking on the belief that a max contract awaits him in free agency. The Sacramento Kings are reportedly among the teams that have expressed a willingness to offer that deal. And two…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/article/pistons-reportedly-increase-contract-offer-for-restricted-free-agent-jalen-duren-to-5-years-200-million-000349652.html

Author : Ian Casselberry

Publish date : 2026-09-22 00:03:00

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