The Detroit Pistons didn't extend Jalen Duren before this past October's deadline, meaning he'll become a restricted free agent next summer. However, since then, the Pistons' outlook on Duren has shifted, as the team doesn't want him to go anywhere with the season that he's having. Detroit wants to lock Duren down long-term, though it will be far more costly to do so next summer than it would've been a couple of months ago.
Duren is averaging a career-high 18.8 points, 11.5 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.0 blocks per game, shooting 65.5% from the field and 75.4% from the free-throw line in 29.2 minutes across 21 contests. His surge helped the Pistons reach the top of the East with a 19-5 record, a position they've held for most of the season.
During the offseason, Duren wanted a deal worth $30 million annually, which would've been a steal based on how he's played. Vincent Goodwill of ESPN wrote a few days ago that league executives believe the center's next contract will be similar to the five-year, $185 million deal that Alperen Şengün signed with the Rockets.
Detroit would've done itself a massive favor by locking Duren down this past summer, but the Pistons will give Duren the contract he deserves next summer. They don't want him going anywhere, and he doesn't want to, either.
The Pistons don't want to lose Jalen Duren
Duren is turning into the defensive force of nature that Detroit wanted him to be. He's moving a lot quicker on that end. His pick-and-roll defense has improved. Duren's defense was a question mark entering the season, and he and Isaiah Stewart are protecting the rim, which has helped the Pistons rank in the top five in the NBA in defense.
Stewart's improved three-point shot means that he and Duren can play together without hurting spacing, making that duo a threat to opposing offenses. The Duren-Stewart lineups give Detroit another weapon.
Duren, on his own, has become a weapon for the Pistons, answering the questions the organization and fans had entering his fourth season in the league. He's not just a lob threat or a pick-and-roll partner for Cade Cunningham. He's expanded his game, and guess what? He's still only 22. The best days are ahead for Duren.
He started the season with his future uncertain in Detroit, but it didn't take long for the script to flip, showing why Duren bet on himself. He'll get a higher payday than the one he initially sought.