The Pistons stand firm with Jalen Duren and rule out any trade
Although negotiations between both parties for a renewal remain stalled, the Detroit franchise does not consider facilitating its exit through a trade
Detroit Pistons is very clear about what they want to do with Jalen Duren. Although negotiations between both parties for a renewal remain stalled and there is a significant economic difference between the player's proposal and the team's, the Detroit franchise does not consider facilitating his departure through a trade.
Duren's situation is currently the only unresolved restricted free agent case in the NBA. The 22-year-old center has the option to negotiate with other franchises, but the Pistons retain the right to match any offer he receives. Moreover, according to information from ESPN, Detroit has already informed the other teams that they do not intend to negotiate his exit.
Detroit does not want to hear offers for Duren
The Pistons' stance was explained by Tim MacMahon in a recent episode of The Hoop Collective. According to the ESPN journalist, the franchise believes that any team attempting to acquire Duren through a trade is wasting their time.
“The only unresolved restricted free agent situation is that of Jalen Duren, whom the Pistons intend to retain 100%, and they have made it clear to anyone trying to sign him through a potential trade that they are wasting their time,” MacMahon stated.
Detroit's message is particularly significant because contract negotiations are not going smoothly. The two parties are still far from reaching an agreement, but that has not changed the Pistons' intention to keep one of their main young assets.
Duren, therefore, continues to be part of the franchise's long-term plans. The pending question is how much Detroit is willing to pay to ensure his continuity.
A significant economic difference
The main issue at the moment lies in the amounts both parties are handling. Duren is entitled to pursue a contract of up to 30% of the salary cap after being included in one of the All-NBA teams for the 2025-26 season.
However, reports indicate that the center is not necessarily looking to reach that maximum. His target would be around 25% of the salary cap, an amount that would allow his new contract to start at just over 41 million dollars.
The Pistons' proposal, on the other hand, is said to be considerably lower. According to reports, Detroit has suggested a contract with an initial salary close to 30 million dollars.
The difference, therefore, exceeds 10 million dollars annually in the first year of the deal. It is a considerable gap for a negotiation that still needs to find a middle ground.
Duren remains a key piece
Despite the deadlock, the Pistons do not seem willing to turn the contract situation into a reason to part ways with the player. The franchise believes that Duren is part of their project and that his youth and development justify keeping him in Detroit.
The center has gained importance since he was selected 13th overall in the 2022 Draft. His physical ability, presence near the rim, and development have made him one of the most important young players on the roster.
The recognition received during the 2025-26 season has also elevated his value within the league. His inclusion in an All-NBA team not only represents individual recognition but also has direct consequences on the economic conditions he can demand in his renewal.
For Detroit, the challenge now is to find a figure that allows them to retain Duren without overly compromising their salary flexibility.
The last pending restricted free agent
Duren's situation also comes after other major cases of restricted free agents have been resolved.
Peyton Watson left the Denver Nuggets to become a player for the Cleveland Cavaliers, while the LA Clippers rescinded Bennedict Mathurin's qualifying offer, allowing the player to reach an agreement with the New Orleans Pelicans.
Duren is now the last restricted free agent remaining available.
But, unlike other cases, the Pistons seem to have a completely defined stance: they want to keep him and are not interested in considering a trade.
This significantly reduces the chances of another team acquiring the center through a transaction. If any franchise wants to bring him on board, they will have to try to convince the player and then see if Detroit is willing to match the offer.
The standoff between Duren and the Pistons
The negotiation thus enters a particularly interesting phase. Duren has arguments to demand a significant contract after his individual recognition, while Detroit must evaluate how far they want to go financially to ensure his continuity.
However, the fact that both parties are still far from an agreement does not mean that there is a real threat of a trade. Quite the opposite. MacMahon's statements make it clear that the Pistons do not want to use that possibility as an exit strategy.
Detroit seems willing to wait and negotiate until a solution is found. In the meantime, Duren maintains a strong negotiating position thanks to his status as a restricted free agent and the performance he showed during the last season.
The Pistons' conclusion is clear: Jalen Duren is not on the market. The question is how much they will ultimately pay to ensure he remains one of the central pieces of their project.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Los Pistons se plantan con Jalen Duren y descartan cualquier traspaso
