Usually, a 22-year-old All-Star and All-NBA center is retained on a handsome new contract when he hits free agency. The Pistons have reportedly offered that to Jalen Duren, one of the franchise’s home-grown talents, but the two sides remain apart in negotiations with the 2026–27 season on the near horizon.
Duren, who made his first All-Star appearance and was named third team All-NBA last season, is a restricted free agent. The restricted status gives Detroit the leverage; the franchise can pay Duren more than any other team and it can match an offer sheet he signs elsewhere.