Contract Projections Shape Off-Season Plans for Pistons, Hornets and Timberwolves
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Pistons
Detroit center Jalen Duren is still on course for a lucrative extension, though not at the full maximum once anticipated. ESPN cap analyst Bobby Marks now estimates a five-year, $180 million agreement rather than a max deal.
Duren, 20, earned his first All-Star appearance after averaging a career-best 19.5 points and ranking third in paint scoring behind Giannis Antetokounmpo and Zion Williamson. The Pistons were plus-12.2 points per 100 possessions while he was on the floor.
Offensive production dipped in the postseason, where Duren averaged 10.2 points. In Detroit’s Game 5 loss to Cleveland he finished minus-16 and did not play in the fourth quarter or overtime.
Despite the playoff slide, team president Trajan Langdon said, “We look forward to coming together with his representative and getting a deal done.”
Hornets
Charlotte guard Coby White has emerged as a value target after arriving from Chicago at February’s deadline. Marks projects a three-year, $54 million contract for the 24-year-old.
White averaged 15.6 points and shot better than 39 percent from beyond the arc in 21 regular-season games off the bench. He added 19 points and five three-pointers in the play-in victory over Miami.
The Hornets hold White’s Bird rights, allowing them to exceed the salary cap to retain him. The Pistons have been mentioned as a potential suitor if he tests free agency.
Timberwolves
Guard Ayo Dosunmu is viewed as Minnesota’s top free-agent priority. “Ayo’s our most important free agent,” president Tim Connelly said.
Acquired from the Bulls at the trade deadline, Dosunmu averaged 14.4 points on 52.1 percent shooting, including 41.4 percent from three, in 24 regular-season appearances. He then produced the two highest-scoring bench games in franchise playoff history.
Marks forecasts a three-year, $51 million contract for Dosunmu, even though the Timberwolves are already operating above the luxury-tax threshold and first apron. The recent Achilles injury to guard Donte DiVincenzo intensifies Minnesota’s need for backcourt depth.
Source: Hoops Wire
