Restricted free agent Jalen Duren and the Detroit Pistons are likely to keep negotiating well into August, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
During an appearance on “NBA Today,” Charania said both the franchise and the 22-year-old center remain firm in their positions, slowing progress toward a new deal. The report echoes earlier information from The Athletic’s Hunter Patterson, who noted Detroit still expects to secure a long-term agreement despite limited movement so far.
Duren is coming off a breakout campaign that included his first NBA All-Star selection and a spot on the All-NBA Third Team. Although the performance made him eligible for a maximum contract, league sources indicate the Pistons have not yet made a max offer.
Detroit continues to hold most of the negotiating leverage. No other team currently has the salary-cap space to extend a significant offer sheet, leaving Duren’s primary alternative as the one-year qualifying offer that would make him an unrestricted free agent next summer. Accepting that route would forfeit the security of a multi-year pact.
Despite the drawn-out talks, there is no indication of strain between the sides. League expectation remains that Duren will stay in Detroit; the open question is how long it will take for both parties to settle on contract terms.
Source: Hoops Wire
