The Pistons’ contract standoff with Jalen Duren continues to grow more contentious and could even hold up other important moves, but there is one shining example from recent history that could give both sides what they want. In 2024, the Rockets agreed to a rookie extension with former #2 overall pick Jalen Green on a 3 year deal including a player option on the third season.
The deal secured Green for two more seasons on a lesser value than what he originally wanted, but gave him the freedom to opt out if he proved himself beyond that contract during those two seasons. Duren could benefit from the same framework, which would give him more time to establish himself as an All-Star talent in the playoffs without putting him at the same risk as accepting a qualifying offer.
Duren should welcome a similar deal to Green
The Pistons will have a focus on the playoffs next season, and that’s where Duren can really earn his money. Unfortunately for him, he had a historically disappointing postseason run last season after a great regular season. He might personally feel that his regular season success was worthy of a max extension, but neither the Pistons nor any other team will agree in a restricted free agency situation.
If anything, Duren’s playoff collapse raised more questions than his regular season dominance answered. Detroit is still left wondering if they need to bring in a better second option to compete for a title, rather than being able to rely on their 22-year-old All-Star or trust in his development curve. And Duren’s attempts to get paid at a max level this offseason have only made the dilemma worse.
But a contract like Green’s can give Duren a couple years of security on a more modest salary, possibly something around the $35 million mark per season. If Duren feels that he’s outplayed that deal at the end of two seasons, he can test unrestricted free agency and get his true market valuation across the league. But if that value feels accurate, he can also stay with the Pistons and get a longer-term deal too.
This deal would help the Pistons too
Obviously the Pistons would get what they want in the short term: a cheaper deal to retain Duren. But another underrated advantage would be improving his trade value. We saw Jalen Green get traded last summer as part of a package for Kevin Durant because his shorter-term extension on a reasonable value made him more desirable for the Suns.
On a shorter contract, Green could give Phoenix financial flexibility quicker while also giving them a chance to develop him. If things go south with Duren and Detroit in the future, the Pistons could use the same tactic to flip him for a more proven star.
Add us as a preferred source on Google