The Detroit Pistons continue to prioritize a new deal for restricted free agent Jalen Duren, although negotiations have yet to produce a significant breakthrough.
According to Marc Stein of The Stein Line, discussions between the two sides have made only modest progress.
Even so, Detroit remains committed to keeping the 22-year-old center and is not considering sign-and-trade scenarios that would send him elsewhere.
The Pistons have consistently identified Duren’s contract as their top offseason objective while also strengthening the roster with the additions of John Collins, Isaiah Joe, Gary Harris and Taurean Prince.
Detroit also appears to have leverage in the negotiations, as there are currently no teams with enough salary cap space to present Duren with a substantial offer sheet.
If talks fail to advance, Duren could choose to sign the Pistons’ $9.6 million qualifying offer, which remains available through October 1.
Doing so would allow him to become an unrestricted free agent next summer, but it would also require him to play the entire 2026-27 season on a salary well below his market value.
Although reports last week suggested there was growing “momentum” toward an agreement, Stein indicates the negotiations have moved forward only slightly.
Duren is eligible to sign a five-year maximum contract worth approximately $239.2 million, beginning at $41.24 million next season.
However, the Pistons are reportedly hoping to reach an agreement on a less expensive long-term deal that provides greater financial flexibility for the franchise.
Stein’s Latest: Duren, Kessler, Z. Williams, Dort https://t.co/wBsShr77t7
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) July 20, 2026
