The Detroit Pistons are expected to keep center Jalen Duren despite initial contract talks that left the 22-year-old dissatisfied, league sources told HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto.
Duren, fresh off an All-NBA Third Team selection and a second-place finish in the Most Improved Player voting, is reportedly seeking about $40 million annually in restricted free agency. Rival clubs project a new deal closer to the mid-$30 million range, yet executives contacted by Scotto believe the former lottery pick will remain in Detroit. Star guard Cade Cunningham is also lobbying for the front office to keep Duren.
Other key offseason notes
Tobias Harris: Head of basketball operations Trajan Langdon has publicly stated a desire to re-sign the 33-year-old forward, but no agreement had been reached as of Monday. Free agency opens league-wide on Tuesday, and Harris is expected to draw interest from multiple teams after a strong postseason run.
Marcus Sasser: Rival executives say the 25-year-old guard is available in trade discussions. Sasser’s role declined in his third NBA season, and he is entering the final year of his rookie-scale contract, worth $5.2 million in 2026-27. He would become a restricted free agent next summer without a rookie-scale extension.
Norman Powell: After agreeing to acquire Oklahoma City sharpshooter Isaiah Joe, Detroit is now viewed as less likely to chase the veteran wing in free agency.
Kawhi Leonard: The Pistons have been linked to the Los Angeles Clippers forward, but league rumblings suggest the two-time Finals MVP would not sign an extension with Detroit, making a trade improbable.
The Pistons enter free agency looking to solidify their core around Duren and Cunningham while weighing veteran additions to accelerate their rebuild.
Source: HoopsRumors
