Detroit Pistons All-Star center Jalen Duren skipped the team’s media day today and the start of training camp amid a contract dispute. Duren, a restricted free agent, has until Thursday, Oct. 1, to sign a one-year, $9.6 million qualifying offer or reach a multi-year deal with the franchise.
The Pistons offered Duren a fully guaranteed five-year, $200 million contract extension, which he rejected. Duren’s representatives informed the organization that the impasse is not strictly financial, citing dissatisfaction with how the team handled a five-year, $155 million extension for forward Ausar Thompson earlier this month, as well as concerns over weight clauses included in prior contract offers.
Trajan Langdon, president of basketball operations for the Detroit Pistons, addressed the media during the team’s media session at Little Caesars Arena. Langdon stated that the organization remains eager for Duren’s return despite the ongoing contract negotiations.
“As you guys know, we have not come to an agreement with Duren to this point,” Langdon said. “He has until Thursday to make a decision and we will be excited to have him in regardless of what decision he does make. He was a huge reason for our success these last two seasons. Had a tremendous season individually last year, as well. We believe he will do the same thing this year upcoming and are excited to have him back when he gets back. We’ll integrate him and he’s going to have a fantastic season regardless of his decision. We look forward to getting him back.”
Langdon emphasized that the Pistons are not exploring sign-and-trade options and expect Duren to play for Detroit during the upcoming season, whether under a short-term or long-term contract.
“Regardless of what his decision is, what we can control is the way that we welcome him in when he makes that decision,” Langdon said. “He is going to be a huge part of the team regardless of what decision he does make. He will be a Detroit Piston and we’ll do everything we can to support him and get the best version of him, which is what we’ve done the past two years and that will not change. Those are things that we can control. The decision is No. 1 we can control.”
Under NBA regulations, Duren is prohibited from participating in team activities until a contract is signed. Langdon noted that he has not spoken directly with Duren over the offseason but expressed no ill will toward the player.
By declining the Pistons’ five-year, $200 million proposal, Duren is opting to walk away from at least $190 million in guaranteed money for the time being. The center is eligible for a maximum contract worth up to $287 million over five years. The Pistons maintain that their current offer is fair and exceeds the single-year qualifying offer, which would allow Duren to become an unrestricted free agent next summer.
During the regular season, Duren earned All-NBA third-team honors after averaging 19.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 0.8 blocks per game while shooting 65.0% in 28.2 minutes per contest. He helped lead Detroit to its third 60-win season in franchise history. However, his statistical averages fell during the playoffs to 10.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.1 blocks in 30.5 minutes per game as the Pistons lost in Game seven of the Eastern Conference semifinals to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
According to reporting by ESPN’s Shams Charania, Jalen Duren skipped both the Detroit Pistons’ media day and the start of training camp due to the ongoing contract dispute.
The Pistons will open their preseason schedule on Oct. 5 at home against the Phoenix Suns.