As the Pistons continue searching for agreeable terms on an extension for Jalen Duren, other teams are starting to get their work done early for the 2023 Draft class. Among those is No. 2 overall pick Brandon Miller, who is now reported to sign an extension around 5 years and $200 million, which are the same terms that Duren has rejected from the Pistons so far. Duren and his agent might use this report as leverage to get a bigger deal from the Pistons, but it shouldn't impact things at all.
Duren and Miller are two completely different scenarios
First off, the most obvious difference that no one is mentioning: Duren and Miller would be on two different extension timelines. Miller's new deal wouldn't kick in until 2027, like the extension that Ausar Thompson recently signed. Duren's new deal would kick in immediately. That means $200 million for Miller would be cheaper from a team perspective than $200 million for Duren, since the salary cap goes up every year.
Digging further, the two speculative $200 million men also play different roles. Miller will probably be the first option in Charlotte this season and going forward, while Duren plays second fiddle to Cade Cunningham in Detroit. Not only that, but Duren's shortcomings as a second option also hurt Cade's performance in the playoffs last season and forced him to adapt.
Naturally, first options tend to get paid more than second options unless a second option is absolutely elite. Duren might have picked up All-Star and All-NBA accolades last season, but he's not in the upper echelon of second options around the league yet. Until Duren proves himself at the highest level in the playoffs, he can't expect to be getting paid significantly more than Miller, who will be tasked with a bigger workload this season.
The Pistons can't let Miller muddy the waters
It's a shame that Duren's negotiations have dragged on so long that multiple teams are now getting deals done with players of the following draft class. But the Pistons can't let these comparisons change their stance. Each contract situation is different, depending on the player's market value and the team's flexibility.
For all we know, Miller's next deal could end up being a huge overpay for the Hornets. He hasn't provided much value in the NBA yet outside of his scoring, and most of his strengths there have been with his 3-point shot. Miller's production as a 2-point scorer, playmaker, defender and even rebounder all leave much to be desired. He's also struggled to stay consistently healthy, only playing in 56% of Charlotte's games the last two seasons.
Just because the Hornets want to throw Miller a bag doesn't mean the Pistons need to up their offer for Duren. Regardless of Miller's potential extension, Duren's market value hasn't changed and he's still stuck in the same predicament.
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