The large sum that Jalen Duren will ask Detroit Pistons for in order to renew

The growth of Jalen Duren has not only propelled Detroit Pistons to the top of the East in the NBA —with a surprising 17-5 record—, but it has also boosted his value heading into the summer of 2026 as a restricted free agent. According to several executives consulted by ESPN, the 22-year-old center is poised to receive an offer close to $185 million over five seasons.

Detroit tried to secure his continuity before the start of the season but failed to reach an extension within the rookie deadline in October. Today, that missed opportunity has turned into an inevitable cost increase: the season Duren is having has put him on the same contract range as Alperen Sengun, whose five-year, $185 million deal with Houston serves as a direct reference.

The rise of the young big man has been evident. He leads the team with 11.5 rebounds per game in 29 minutes, second only to Karl-Anthony Towns among Eastern rebounders. Beyond his production, what impresses opponents the most is how his skill set has expanded. Coach J.B. Bickerstaff challenged him in the summer to add ball-handling and improve his physique, and the results are plain to see.

“Initially, it was logical that they saw me only as a pick-and-roll finisher or threat in alley-oops,” Duren commented. “But my game is much more than that now, and I'm eager to keep proving it.”

A Highly Competitive Team

Detroit has assembled one of the most promising young cores in the league: Cade Cunningham, Isaiah Stewart, Jaden Ivey, and Ausar Thompson accompany Duren in this competitive surge. The Duren-Stewart frontcourt, in particular, upholds the third-best defense in the NBA, with an outstanding +11.5 per 100 possessions when they share the court.

If his progression continues, and given Detroit's ability to match any offer as an RFA, the Pistons could be about a year and a half away from committing to a contract that could define the future of their franchise for much of the next decade.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El pastizal que Jalen Duren le pedirá a Detroit Pistons para renovar