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Over the last several weeks, the basketball world has converged in Las Vegas for the Summer League. The Detroit Pistons had both of their draft picks in the lineup for each game, and essentially the whole team was there to support the Summer League squad even though they were only able to produce one victory (and four losses) in the series of exhibition games.
The word essentially was used in describing the Pistons’ team-wide support because 22-year old All-Star center Jalen Duren was notably absent from that contingent, but that is no surprise considering he’s still embroiled in contract negotiations with the club.
So far, there has not been an overwhelming amount of progress on either side. Duren would like a significant raise that is at least in the ballpark of a max contract, but the Pistons would feel more comfortable with a more team-friendly deal that allows for financial flexibility moving forward, which will be key since Ausar Thompson will be up next for a contract extension in due time.
In order to help understand that fluid situation, Spotrac’s Keith Smith spoke with multiple people within the Pistons organization, and he learned just where Detroit stands at the moment amid the important contract discussions being held with Duren and his representation.
“We very clearly want Jalen back with us for next year and beyond,” Smith’s front office source said. “If we didn’t, we could have easily done several different sign-and-trade deals. But the numbers have to be right. You saw what’s happened with Boston and OKC and New York. We don’t want to have to shed talent around Cade [Cunningham] and Jalen a year or two from now.”
Based on that statement, Pistons President of Basketball Operations Trajan Langdon is operating with the understanding that he will need to work out a contract extension with Thompson sooner rather than later, and he’d prefer not to handcuff Detroit before those discussions even begin. Right now, the Pistons have more than enough money to allocate for Duren’s upcoming deal, but they want to remain in a position to offer Thompson what he’s worth at the same time. But in any event, the Pistons have zero disillusions over the value that Duren adds to the team, so it is overwhelmingly likely that the two sides will come to an agreement in the near future.
“JD is a monster,” Smith was told by a Detroit assistant coach. “I don’t think any big man in the league has improved as much as JD has in his first four years in the league. Go look at his rookie year. He didn’t know what to do on defense, so he didn’t do much of anything. Last two years, he’s defending at a high level. He reads the floor well on offense. He’s super athletic. I hope everyone can be reasonable and we have him forever in Detroit.”
As a big man who averaged 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds last season en route to an All-NBA Third Team selection, Duren is still adding to his skill set. That much was clear since Duren was a markedly improved shooter from the free throw line during the 2025-26 campaign, and he ended up finishing in second place for the Most Improved Player award as a result of his hard work.
Now, it’s the Pistons’ job to make sure that Duren continues working hard in the Motor City as opposed to any other location across the league.
For more information on the latest Detroit Pistons team or player news, follow @EricJRutter on X for continued basketball coverage, but while you’re here, join Pistons Roundtable for FREE and become a contributing member to our community today. Also be sure to look up Roundtable - Michigan Men Media on Facebook for continued social media coverage of all the sporting teams in the Mitten.
Continue reading...
The word essentially was used in describing the Pistons’ team-wide support because 22-year old All-Star center Jalen Duren was notably absent from that contingent, but that is no surprise considering he’s still embroiled in contract negotiations with the club.
So far, there has not been an overwhelming amount of progress on either side. Duren would like a significant raise that is at least in the ballpark of a max contract, but the Pistons would feel more comfortable with a more team-friendly deal that allows for financial flexibility moving forward, which will be key since Ausar Thompson will be up next for a contract extension in due time.
In order to help understand that fluid situation, Spotrac’s Keith Smith spoke with multiple people within the Pistons organization, and he learned just where Detroit stands at the moment amid the important contract discussions being held with Duren and his representation.
“We very clearly want Jalen back with us for next year and beyond,” Smith’s front office source said. “If we didn’t, we could have easily done several different sign-and-trade deals. But the numbers have to be right. You saw what’s happened with Boston and OKC and New York. We don’t want to have to shed talent around Cade [Cunningham] and Jalen a year or two from now.”
Based on that statement, Pistons President of Basketball Operations Trajan Langdon is operating with the understanding that he will need to work out a contract extension with Thompson sooner rather than later, and he’d prefer not to handcuff Detroit before those discussions even begin. Right now, the Pistons have more than enough money to allocate for Duren’s upcoming deal, but they want to remain in a position to offer Thompson what he’s worth at the same time. But in any event, the Pistons have zero disillusions over the value that Duren adds to the team, so it is overwhelmingly likely that the two sides will come to an agreement in the near future.
“JD is a monster,” Smith was told by a Detroit assistant coach. “I don’t think any big man in the league has improved as much as JD has in his first four years in the league. Go look at his rookie year. He didn’t know what to do on defense, so he didn’t do much of anything. Last two years, he’s defending at a high level. He reads the floor well on offense. He’s super athletic. I hope everyone can be reasonable and we have him forever in Detroit.”
As a big man who averaged 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds last season en route to an All-NBA Third Team selection, Duren is still adding to his skill set. That much was clear since Duren was a markedly improved shooter from the free throw line during the 2025-26 campaign, and he ended up finishing in second place for the Most Improved Player award as a result of his hard work.
Now, it’s the Pistons’ job to make sure that Duren continues working hard in the Motor City as opposed to any other location across the league.
For more information on the latest Detroit Pistons team or player news, follow @EricJRutter on X for continued basketball coverage, but while you’re here, join Pistons Roundtable for FREE and become a contributing member to our community today. Also be sure to look up Roundtable - Michigan Men Media on Facebook for continued social media coverage of all the sporting teams in the Mitten.
Continue reading...
