Jalen Duren’s restricted free agency is expected to stretch into August, with negotiations between the center and the Detroit Pistons showing little sign of an immediate resolution.
Speaking on NBA Today, ESPN’s Shams Charania said both sides remain far apart in contract discussions.
“These talks between the Pistons and Jalen Duren, I’m told, will be going well into August potentially,” Charania said.
“Both sides appear dug in with where they’re at. The Pistons have a threshold for where they approach this contract with Jalen Duren. Jalen Duren and his reps obviously want more than that. These talks are very fluid.”
Duren is coming off the best season of his career, helping Detroit secure the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference and earning All-NBA Second Team honors.
However, his inconsistent performances during the playoffs against the Orlando Magic and Cleveland Cavaliers have reportedly influenced the Pistons’ valuation.
With few teams possessing enough salary-cap space to present a competitive offer sheet, Detroit remains in a strong negotiating position and has also maintained a steep asking price in any potential sign-and-trade discussions.
Jalen Duren, Pistons Could Have Talks Extend Deep Into August https://t.co/Ie4ev4K3kG
— RealGM (@RealGM) July 28, 2026
