There’s a major holdup in Michigan when it comes to the Jalen Duren free agency run for the Detroit Pistons. The star center wants a haul as his first major payday. The Pistons are only willing to pay a portion of what he’s eligible to get, leading to a standoff.
As the offseason approaches September with Duren still unsigned, the Pistons were issued a reminder about their star duo, which includes Cade Cunningham and the veteran center.
Pistons Get Critical Cade Cunningham, Jalen Duren Reminder Amid Standoff
GettyDETROIT, MICHIGAN – MAY 03: Jalen Duren #0 and Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons celebrate a basket against the Orlando Magic during the first quarter in Game Seven of the First Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena on May 03, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
While CBS Sports ranked out the league’s top duos, Detroit came in at No. 11, just in front of the Golden State Warriors’ superstar pairing of Steph Curry and Draymond Green.
On one end, the Pistons are operating under the belief that Duren isn’t worth a max contract. On the other end, they are still being reminded that they have an All-Star/All-NBA player on their hands.
“Prior to the postseason, there would have been an argument for putting this guard-big combo higher — and then that went poof when Duren no-showed against the Magic and Cavaliers. Duren reportedly wanted a new contract last offseason with an average annual value in the $30 million range. When the Pistons balked, Duren bet on himself. It looked like that bet paid off, with Duren having a fantastic regular season,” CBS Sports’ John Gonzalez wrote.
During the 2026 NBA Playoffs, many fans and analysts continued to state that Duren’s playoff shortcomings was costing him millions. That wasn’t overreactive internet talk. The Pistons truly haven’t come close to meeting Duren’s price point, and teams across the league haven’t helped his case much either.
Duren received interest from a handful of teams, but never saw an actual deal hit the table. Without the outside pressure, the Pistons don’t have to offer anything they aren’t comfortable with. Duren will have to take the long-term offer—or sign the one-year qualifying offer, which presents a much lower price point than what his first season of salary would be on a multi-year deal.
What Should The Pistons Do?
GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – FEBRUARY 12: Ayo Dosunmu #11 of the Chicago Bulls dribbles the ball as Jalen Duren #0 and Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons defend during the first quarter at the United Center on February 12, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
From a business standpoint, the Pistons are playing their cards right.
But there’s more to basketball than just the business side of it. Team chemistry matters, and the situation could be creating a disgruntled star center before a critical run in 2026-2027.
For the past two seasons, the Pistons have had sky-high chemistry with their young group of homegrown players, as they shocked the league and made two playoff runs, all while avoiding the Play-In route.
But times are different. Duren wants to get paid after having a star-caliber season. Ausar Thompson will want the same eventually. Jaden Ivey flamed out and was traded away at the deadline. Isaiah Stewart was sent packing during the NBA Draft, and the seasoned veteran Tobias Harris went to the Western Conference to join the San Antonio Spurs.
There is going to be a heavy weight of pressure on the Pistons, who finished first in the Eastern Conference last season, being the only team with 60 wins. Duren’s mindset might be maxed out or frustrated, placing a ticking time bomb on the Pistons no matter what. The playoff flameout was unfortunate, but the Pistons do have to remember that Duren is 22 and has formed one of the league’s top duos with Cunningham. That common ground has to be found before October.