The Detroit Pistons do not appear to be any closer to an agreement with Jalen Duren, but perhaps not for a lack of trying on their part.
Detroit has offered their restricted free agent center Duren a deal in the range of $35-38 million per year, Pistons writer Kumayl Khahil reported on Monday. However, Duren still continues to hold out over a month into the official restricted free agency period.
Duren, 22, was an All-Star as well as an All-NBA selection for the Pistons last season. As a result, he became eligible for a max contract for five years and up to $287.1 million.
But Duren spoiled his own chances of getting a max with a subpar playoff performance in which he averaged only 10.2 points and 8.5 rebounds per game (down from 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds per game during the regular season). As a result, Duren remains in a dogfight to secure every dollar that he can this offseason.
A five-year deal is generally the NBA standard for players coming off their rookie contracts and re-signing with their current teams. As a result, the Pistons’ offer appears to be in the ballpark of $175-$190 million in total value for Duren.
That is surprisingly not too far off from the reported contract demand that Duren had earlier this summer. Still, the former lottery pick has to be willing to play ball here with Detroit, and Duren could pull a dramatic move if he is not ultimately satisfied with the Pistons’ offer.
