Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren is having a breakout campaign in his fourth NBA season, and unsurprisingly, he’s expected to land a “huge payday” for his next deal, per league executives to ESPN’s Vincent Goodwill.
“Duren is lining himself up for a huge payday in the summer, with league executives telling ESPN it could be in the range of Houston Rockets center Alperen Şengün’s five-year, $185 million contract signed in October 2024.”
Duren, who will be a restricted free agent next offseason, is averaging 19.0 points on 65.7 percent shooting and 11.5 rebounds in 19 starts. He’s helped guide the Pistons to a 17-5 start, good enough for a 2.5-game lead over the rest of the Eastern Conference.
Houston Rockets center Alperen Şengün could be a good comparison for Duren. Şengün signed that aforementioned $185 million deal before the 2024-25 season. During the previous season, the then third-year pro averaged 21.1 points on 53.7 percent shooting, 9.3 rebounds and 5.0 assists per game.
Duren has taken a big step in his development, which is something he referenced in comments to Goodwill.
“When I first came in, people had me pegged as a pick-and-roll, dunker’s spot, lob threat, which is understandable,” Duren told Goodwill. “But I got a lot more to my game, I’m excited to show it. I can do it consistently, be comfortable with it and not think about it. That’s what has helped me take this next step.”
Duren also just turned 22 years old on Nov. 18, so he could just be scratching the surface of what he can be in the NBA.
In the meantime, the potential All-Star (and perhaps Most Improved Player of the Year) continues to play a massive role on a young core in Detroit that also includes Cade Cunningham, Ausar Thompson and Isaiah Stewart.
The Pistons will look to keep it rolling on Friday, which marks the beginning of a three-game homestand starting with a matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers.