The Detroit Pistons had a strong regular season thanks to first-time All-Star and soon-to-be restricted free agent Jalen Duren, but through the first two rounds of the 2026 NBA Playoffs, his production has fallen off a cliff.
Duren was benched for the fourth quarter and overtime of the Pistons’ Game 5 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers, and as time goes on, he’s not looking like the player who was previously expected to earn a maximum contract extension in free agency this summer.
Still, according to a new report, Detroit is expected to keep Duren this offseason, even if it means overpaying for the young center who, after a strong regular season, has yet to prove his worth in the postseason.
Pistons Get New Jalen Duren Free Agency Update
GettyJalen Duren #0 of the Detroit Pistons reacts after he dunks in the first half against the Indiana Pacers at Little Caesars Arena on November 17, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan.
In his breakout season, named as a finalist for the Most Improved Player award, Duren could earn up to $239 million, or even $287 million if he is named to an All-NBA team.
However, with his numbers across the board dropping through the Pistons’ first 12 playoff games, the idea of Duren becoming a max contract player doesn’t feel like the same guarantee it was through the team’s strong regular season.
According to an Eastern Conference executive, even if Duren isn’t playing like a number-two option next to franchise centerpiece Cade Cunningham, the Pistons are still expected to offer him a max deal, even if it’s the $287 million if he makes third-team All-NBA.
“He’s not a max player, but they’re probably going to have to give him the max,” an East executive told Tim Bontemps and Brian Windhorst of ESPN. “Because now [cap space] teams like Chicago or Brooklyn might see him as someone they could get with a max offer sheet and Detroit will have to match. With the new apron rules, it might come back to bite [the Pistons], and it’s just another example of how the CBA crushes team building.”
Other teams, like the Los Angeles Lakers, were previously rumored to be in the mix to land Duren as a restricted free agent this summer, but now, after his underwhelming playoff performances, even they might be out on offering him a max deal this summer.
In 12 playoff games for the Pistons, Duren is averaging just 10.1 points and 8.3 rebounds on 50% shooting in just over 30 minutes per night, which is a drop-off from the 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds he averaged in the regular season.
“One of the biggest mistakes you can make in the NBA right now is to give a non-max player a max deal,” a West executive added. “In the old system, you could bet on high-end talent players. Now losing a big bet can derail your entire roster.”
Why Was Jalen Duren Benched In Game 5 Loss?
GettyDETROIT, MICHIGAN – MAY 13: Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff and Jalen Duren #0 of the Detroit Pistons talk against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the third quarter in Game Five of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena on May 13, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan.
As mentioned, Duren had a strong regular season and solidified himself as one of the best young big men in the NBA, as his breakout year was a key piece in the Pistons’ finishing with the best record in the Eastern Conference.
However, in the playoffs, he hasn’t matched that level of performance, which was clear in Detroit’s Game 5 loss to Cleveland, which didn’t see Duren in the most important stretches of the game.
Speaking after the defeat, head coach JB Bickerstaff told reporters that instead of using Duren in the fourth quarter and overtime, third-string center Paul Reed better fit for the lineup they used.
“Again, I just thought that P-Reed gives us that spark,” Bickerstaff said. “He’s always ready for when the moment calls for it. Through that point, I thought we had done a pretty good job. They made their run, and P-Reed is a run-stopper for us. Him as a weapon—it’s good for this team.”
Duren’s drop in performance could be due to him being a young player experiencing the spotlight for the first time. But still, at a point where the Pistons need him more than ever, he hasn’t been the number two option he proved to be in the regular season.
“Absolutely, I feel like I could be better in all aspects of the game,” Duren said after the loss. “Bball (Paul Reed) came in ready to go. Did his thing. As long as we get the win, I’m good. Obviously, didn’t come out winning today, but as I said, we got to regroup, come back, and bring it back to Detroit.”
Duren remains the starting center for the Pistons, but if his play keeps up, as was seen in Game 5, he won’t be in the closing Game 6 rotation. With that, his free agency future remains in question, but as was said above, it appears Detroit will still offer him a max contract.
However, if the playoff woes continue, the Pistons’ offseason could change drastically, as Duren might not be the player they want to lock down for a long-term future next to Cunningham.
Pistons Receive Harsh Jalen Duren Warning After Being Benched In Game 5