Pistons optimistic about long-term contract for Jalen Duren
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Detroit remains confident it will secure a multi-year agreement with restricted free-agent center Jalen Duren, league sources told The Athletic’s Hunter Patterson.
Although talks have shown limited progress, both the 22-year-old and the Pistons reportedly expect to finalize a deal that benefits each side. All indications point to Duren returning to Detroit, the team that selected him in the first round of the 2022 draft.
Early sign-and-trade inquiries
When free agency opened, Duren met with representatives from the Los Angeles Lakers and Sacramento Kings about possible sign-and-trade scenarios, according to Patterson. However, Detroit never seriously entertained moving its starting center. Any remaining leverage disappeared once the Lakers acquired center Walker Kessler from Utah, effectively ending their pursuit of Duren.
Top offseason priority
Retaining Duren has been Detroit’s primary goal this summer after his continued rise as one of the league’s promising young big men. In parallel, the front office hopes to negotiate a rookie-scale extension with forward Ausar Thompson, though that conversation is less pressing because Thompson is not eligible for restricted free agency until 2027.
Trade explorations and roster additions
Before focusing on internal moves, Detroit gauged the market for established stars, including Kawhi Leonard, Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant and Trey Murphy III, but ultimately deemed the asking prices too high. Instead, the Pistons fortified their depth by adding Isaiah Joe, John Collins, Taurean Prince and Gary Harris.
Negotiations with Duren are expected to continue as the Pistons aim to stabilize their young core ahead of training camp.
Source: Hoops Wire
