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If this offseason for the Detroit Pistons was a plane ride, you’d call it an eventful one.
There has been turbulence, with the front office missing out on players they thought could fit the team’s present and future. They’ve also moved on from two players who were foundational pieces of their identity in Tobias Harris and Isaiah Stewart.
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Above all, they still haven’t been able to land the plane on a Jalen Duren contract that satisfies both sides.
At this rate, the stalemate could last into the season.
As the vibes continue to feel off in some ways, Detroit is now less than a month away from opening the NBA season against Boston at Little Caesars Arena. And while the Pistons have not gotten everything they wanted this offseason, Trajan Langdon and the front office are still doing their part to preserve a brighter future.
DETROIT, MI – JUNE 21: New president of basketball operations Trajan Langdon of the Detroit Pistons looks on during the press conference on June 21, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
As the staring contest with Duren’s camp continued, Langdon did not waste any more time locking up another foundational piece. Detroit agreed to a five-year, $155 million rookie-scale extension with Ausar Thompson, securing his place alongside Cade Cunningham for the foreseeable future.
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I’m sure the preference would have been to have Duren’s situation resolved first. Instead, Detroit moved forward without him.
And honestly, that’s refreshing.
Detroit still has leverage
So, do the Pistons still have leverage in the negotiations?
Yes.
Duren is a restricted free agent, meaning Detroit retains the ability to match an offer sheet from another team. He can also accept a $9.6 million qualifying offer that would make him an unrestricted free agent next summer. That deadline is Oct. 1.
After averaging 19.5…
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Publish date : 2026-09-22 14:30:00
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