We've heard a lot about Jalen Duren this offseason. We've heard from pundits and writers, we've heard leaked statements from his agent, and after yesterday's media day, we've heard from the Detroit Pistons.
The one person we haven't heard from is Jalen Duren, and it's time that he comes out of the shadows, makes a decision or at least tells people what he actually wants out of this situation.
At first, he just wanted more money. Then it was about respect. The Pistons responded by increasing their offer. Then, he didn't like the weight clause. Fine.
But what the hell does he want? Does Duren want to play in Detroit or not? Is there a specific number he is looking for? Part of negotiation is actually telling the other side your objectives, but as of right now, no one seems to know what Duren's goal is here.
With the deadline for his decision looming in less than two days, it's time for Duren to actually tell the Pistons conclusively what he wants and what he plans to do if he doesn't get it.
Jalen Duren hasn't helped himself by staying silent
I understand that agents and suits do the negotiating in these deals and that the players largely stay out of it, so there has been nothing abnormal about Duren letting others do his talking for him.
What is abnormal is that October is nearly here and we have an All-NBA restricted free agent without a job, and what's even stranger is that we have no idea why.
Hiding behind nebulous words like "disrespect" isn't going to help anything, and certainly hasn't endeared Duren to fans, who look at $200 million and wonder how someone could be insulted by it.
If you feel so disrespected, then man up and demand a trade. Say unequivicolly that you plan to accept the qualifying offer. Say anything.
If it was really all about respect, I feel like one of these things would have happened already.
If it's not, then how much money do you want? Just say a damn number so the Pistons can make a choice here. It seems childish to hide behind an agent and just keep saying, "more" when asked how much is enough. How much more?
Trajan Langdon revealed yesterday that he hasn't spoken to Duren in months. Is this how you negotiate? Silence?
At some point Duren has to show his hand and actually tell people what he wants if he wants the Pistons to give it to him. If not, just demand a trade already and let's end this.
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