Pistons, Jalen Duren Reportedly Nearing Agreement on New Five-Year Deal
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The Detroit Pistons and restricted free-agent center Jalen Duren are said to be making significant progress toward a long-term contract, according to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line. Speaking during a Bleacher Report live stream, Fischer described “momentum and positive direction” in negotiations and indicated the sides are “getting close” to a deal.
Fischer’s update contrasts with an earlier report from The Athletic’s Hunter Patterson, who had suggested talks were stalled. Duren, 22, became eligible for a five-year maximum contract worth up to 30% of the 2026-27 salary cap after earning his first All-NBA nod in 2025-26.
Detroit created additional flexibility earlier this summer by shipping Caris LeVert to Milwaukee in a six-team trade that also sent Isaiah Stewart to Memphis and Marcus Sasser to Dallas while bringing back John Collins, Taurean Prince and Gary Harris. Fischer noted the move opened enough space for Detroit to offer Duren the 25% max contract he is reportedly seeking.
Duren averaged 19.5 points, 10.5 rebounds and 2.0 assists while shooting 65.0% from the field in 70 regular-season games last year. His postseason numbers dipped to 10.2 points and 8.5 rebounds over 14 contests.
CapSheets.com estimates the Pistons are about $46.09 million below the luxury-tax threshold and $54.68 million under their first-apron hard cap. A 25% max agreement for Duren would start at roughly $41.24 million next season and total approximately $239.19 million over five years.
No timetable for finalizing the contract has been reported, but Fischer’s comments suggest the sides are closer than they were prior to the recent salary-clearing trade.
Source: Hoops Rumors
