Pistons still awaiting Jalen Duren decision as training camp begins

The biggest story of the Detroit Pistons’ summer now lingers into the start of training camp.

Jalen Duren remains unsigned.

Coming off the best season of his career, one that included his first All-Star appearance and an All-NBA Third Team selection, Duren and the Pistons have spent the summer negotiating a new contract without reaching an agreement.

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That remained the case Monday at Pistons Media Day, which Duren did not attend.

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Duren has declined a fully guaranteed five-year, $200 million offer from Detroit as the two sides remain at a stalemate.

Still, Pistons president of basketball operations Trajan Langdon made one thing clear Monday: Detroit still wants Duren back.

“We will be excited to have him in regardless of what decision he does make,” Langdon said. “He was a huge reason for our success the last two seasons, had a tremendous season individually last year as well, and we believe he will do the same thing this year.

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“We’ll integrate him, and he’s going to have a fantastic season regardless of his decision. But we’re looking forward to getting him.”

Duren, 22, averaged 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds while shooting 65% from the field last season, establishing himself as one of the league’s top young centers and a major piece of Detroit’s rise.

But his long-term future with the franchise has remained unsettled throughout the offseason.

Langdon declined to discuss specifics of the negotiations Monday, but acknowledged that he has not personally spoken with Duren throughout the summer.

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“I have not spoken to the young man all summer, so I don’t know how that is,” Langdon said. “For me, I’m not going to hold anything against him. Again, I would be very happy to have him back. I’ll be excited. He’s been a huge part of our success. I think he’ll continue to be a huge part of that going forward.”

Despite the lack of an agreement — and the lack of communication between Langdon and Duren — Detroit’s stance publicly has remained consistent.

The Pistons still view Duren as one of the pillars of a young core, alongside Cade Cunningham and Ausar…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/pistons-still-awaiting-jalen-duren-194423363.html

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Publish date : 2026-09-28 19:44:00

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