Jalen Duren isn’t showing up for Pistons media day today, Monday, September 28, and that’s a massive problem brewing right out of the gate. The 22-year-old restricted free agent is sitting out team activities, straight up refusing the Pistons’ five-year, $200 million offer. What a way to kick off the season’s official start, right? If he doesn’t sign by Thursday, October 1, the deadline for his $9.6 million qualifying offer, he’s also missing training camp. NBA rules are clear on this: no agreement, no participation.
The Money, The Leverage, and The Pressure Cooker
This isn’t small potatoes. Duren’s eligible for a supermax extension worth up to a whopping $287 million over five years because he snagged an All-NBA third team spot last season. That’s a huge jump from the $200 million the Pistons have on the table. But here’s the kicker: no other team even bothered to present an offer sheet this summer, which gives Detroit maximum leverage in this whole saga. On the flip side, outside teams are capped at offering $177.4 million over four years, which is less than what Detroit is currently offering. It’s a high-stakes poker game, and Duren knows what he’s worth.
A 60-Win Season and Playoff Disappearing Act
Last season, Duren absolutely balled out after failing to get an extension, averaging a career-best 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds on a wild 65% shooting. He was a huge reason the Pistons pulled off a 60-win regular season, only the third time in franchise history! But then the playoffs hit, and he kind of disappeared, dropping to 10.2 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks on 51.4% shooting across 14 games. The Pistons are also already paying Cade Cunningham a supermax and just inked Ausar Thompson to a five-year, $155 million deal, so the second apron rules are probably making them sweat about paying Duren the max.
Team president Trajan Langdon and coach J.B. Bickerstaff are gonna have to face the music and address this mess at media day. The preseason kicks off next Monday, October 5, at home against the Phoenix Suns, and the regular season starts October 20 against the Boston Celtics. You gotta wonder if this standoff is gonna hang like a gray cloud over the whole team.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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