The Detroit Pistons are 13-2, first in the East. Cade Cunningham doesn't just look like a superstar; he's becoming one. Aside from Daniss Jenkins, a two-way player who stepped up for the team when Cunningham was sidelined and is still playing at a high level now that he's back, the best surprise has been Jalen Duren, who has been absolutely dominant. But there is still a sense of worry floating around in the air.
Duren is averaging 20.6 points, 11.9 rebounds, 1.1 blocks, and 1.1 steals per game, shooting 67.4% from the field in 28.9 minutes in 13 games (he missed two). He recorded five straight double-doubles before he came up two rebounds short in the Pistons' 120-112 win over the Hawks on Tuesday. He's turned into the Pistons' second option, finding his midrange game in the process.
Why be worried about any of that?
Duren and Detroit didn't agree to an extension before the start of the season, so he'll become a restricted free agent over the summer. The Pistons can match any offer sheet Duren receives from another team, and you can bet that teams with the cap space are keeping an eye on him.
Jalen Duren will be a restricted free agent this summer
The Pistons chose not to extend Duren after he averaged fewer points (11.8) and rebounds (10.3) in his third season than in his second. However, last season he played in more games (78) and shot a higher field-goal percentage (69.2%) than in his sophomore season. Duren got off to a slow start last season, but he's done the exact opposite in 2025-26. You know what he's done? Raised his price tag.
Duren has been fantastic, but since he didn't sign an extension before the season, there will continue to be a creeping sense of worry. That is, unfortunately, normal. Although he'll be a restricted free agent, and not unrestricted, you don't want there to be any chance a player like Duren could leave.
The good news is that he isn't trying to leave. He said at media day that he wants to spend his entire career in Detroit. Duren loves the city.
If the Pistons could go back in time about a month, knowing what they do now, they'd lock Duren down to a long-term deal, happily paying him the $30 million per year he wanted. Detroit will hope to do that this summer, after what should be the team's most successful season in years. Duren will play a significant role in that, as he has already done this season for the No. 1 Pistons.
Fans don't want to rush this season, not by any means, but there will be a sense of relief when they get the notification that Duren is staying where he belongs, with the Pistons.