Cade Cunningham wants Jalen Duren back in Detroit, according to league sources. The Detroit Pistons and center Jalen Duren are far apart in contract negotiations.
What's the current situation?
The two sides have held discussions, but there's been little progress toward an extension. Duren was underwhelmed by the Pistons' offer and plans to explore possible sign-and-trade scenarios.
What does Jalen Duren want?
Duren is seeking a $40 million annual salary, roughly 25 percent of the NBA's salary cap. This number has been floated before, but the fact that Duren was underwhelmed by Detroit's offer adds new weight to how far apart the two sides remain.
What could Jalen Duren's contract look like?
Jalen Duren had an excellent regular season for the 60-win Pistons, averaging 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds per game on 65.0% shooting. However, he cooled off during the playoffs, posting 10.2 points and 8.5 rebounds. A deal in the range of five years at approximately $35 million per year strikes a reasonable middle ground.
The Pistons have maintained a strong desire to keep their 22-year-old center. Fellow star Cade Cunningham also wants Duren back, according to league sources. Duren would receive long-term security and a substantial raise from his current $6.4 million cap hit, while the Pistons accept slightly more term than ideal to lock in a player who adds pace, physicality, and versatility to their lineup for years to come.
And the situation is quickly becoming one of the major storylines of the Pistons' offseason. The Athletic's Sam Amick reported this week that the two sides have held discussions, but there's been little progress toward an extension.
But HoopsHype's Michael Scotto indicated the Pistons aren't shopping Duren and want to keep him. The two sides could still look to find a middle ground. Duren is expected to remain with the Pistons and land somewhere around the mid-30s annually, according to Scotto.
So the Pistons will have to decide how much they're willing to pay to keep Duren. The fact that Cade Cunningham wants Duren back could play a role in the negotiations. The Pistons will have to balance their desire to keep Duren with their need to manage their flexibility.
The Detroit Pistons and Jalen Duren have a few days to work out a deal before free agency begins. The situation is uncertain, but one thing is clear: Cade Cunningham wants Jalen Duren back in Detroit.