Jalen Duren rejects Pistons’ fully guaranteed $200 million offer

The Pistons have offered Jalen Duren $200 million guaranteed over five years. He still has not said yes.

Detroit’s latest proposal contains no team option, no player option and no incentive language, according to Sam Amick, Hunter Patterson and Eric Nehm of The Athletic.

Duren has already rejected the offer and may skip media day or the beginning of training camp unless the Pistons increase it or he changes his position.

Shams Charania of ESPN reported that Duren’s frustration dates to last year, when Detroit offered him approximately $20 million annually on what was presented as a take-it-or-leave-it extension. People close to Duren have described the current dispute as a matter of respect from his perspective and business from the team’s.

The 22-year-old center also appears willing to test how much conviction exists elsewhere.

Rival teams have gotten the impression that Duren wants a change of scenery, according to The Athletic. The Kings reportedly have indicated they would be willing to offer him a maximum contract next summer, while the Bucks and at least one unidentified team have serious interest now and potentially in 2027.

That said, the Pistons have resisted sign-and-trade discussions.

Duren has leverage because he can accept his $9.6 million qualifying offer by Oct. 1, play one more season in Detroit and become an unrestricted free agent next summer. The qualifying offer also would give him veto power over any trade. He also would be risking $200 million in guaranteed money.

Duren earned his first All-Star appearance and third-team All-NBA honors last season after averaging 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds. That made him eligible for as much as $287 million over five years from Detroit, though his production dropped sharply during the playoffs.

Skipping media day would create noise. Oct. 1 will create a decision. Duren must choose between extraordinary security in Detroit and the possibility of greater money and control somewhere else.