DETROIT, United States — The Detroit Pistons have increased their contract offer to restricted free agent centre Jalen Duren to five years and $200 million, but the two sides remain some distance from an agreement.
According to reports, the latest proposal is a fully guaranteed deal with no player or team options. It represents a rise of about $10 million on Detroit’s previous five-year offer in the region of $190 million, which had included incentives such as weight clauses.
Duren, 22, has not accepted the new terms. The former Memphis standout is eligible for a maximum extension worth around $287 million over five years after earning All-NBA third team honours last season. He has been seeking a contract of at least $200 million and is understood to view himself as a max-level player.
ESPN’s Shams Charania first reported the upgraded offer. The Athletic later confirmed that the $200 million package is fully guaranteed and contains no options.
Duren averaged 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds last season as Detroit finished with the Eastern Conference’s best record at 60-22. His production dropped in the playoffs, however, as the Pistons were eliminated in the second round by the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The stalemate has lasted most of the summer. Duren spent much of the off-season away from Detroit and did not attend Cade Cunningham’s minicamp or owner Tom Gores’ annual team event. People close to the player have described the dispute as a matter of respect as well as money.
Rival interest is adding leverage. The Sacramento Kings have indicated a willingness to offer Duren a maximum contract next summer, while the Milwaukee Bucks and at least one other team are also said to have serious interest.
Duren has until 1 October to accept Detroit’s $9.6 million qualifying offer. That one-year deal would allow him to become an unrestricted free agent in 2027 and give him veto power over any trade, but it would mean sacrificing the security of a long-term guarantee.
Media day and the start of training camp are approaching. Whether Duren reports remains uncertain unless the gap between the sides narrows further. The Pistons have so far resisted sign-and-trade discussions as they attempt to keep one of the cornerstones of their young core.