The Detroit Pistons and Jalen Duren‘s free agency situation are still at odds. According to last week’s report from Jake Fischer, it was heading in a positive direction, and the Pistons are willing to sign him to a four-year, $160 million deal.
Initially, Duren wanted to sign a five-year, $287.1 million contract to stay in Detroit. He had finished his best season so far, averaging 19.5 points and 10.5 assists. He earned his first All-Star selection and was named to the All-NBA Third Team. Given his strong outing, the team’s starting center believed he should get a massive payday from the front office.
On Sunday, ESPN’s Tim MacMahon said on “The Hoop Collective Podcast” that Duren’s situation took a dramatic turn. According to MacMahon, the Pistons have no intention of making a sign-and-trade deal and will keep the big man.
Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (0) reacts after a play against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half of game four in the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images“The one restricted free agency situation that remains unresolved is Jalen Duren, who the Pistons absolutely positively 100% intend to keep, and made it clear to anybody pursuing him in a sign-and-trade possibility like, you’re wasting your time,” MacMahon said.
“We’ll get into that, I think, later. There’s still a gap.”
As of this writing, the Pistons and Jalen Duren have not agreed to a deal. He is the last remaining restricted free agent in the market.
While the situation with Duren remains unresolved, the Pistons have addressed other needs. They acquired John Collins from the Los Angeles Clippers via a sign-and-trade deal. Detroit also traded for Isaiah Joe, Taurean Prince and Gary Harris.
The team traded away Isaiah Stewart and Marcus Sasser this summer.
Which Teams Wanted Jalen Duren This Offseason?Jalen Duren attracted interest from other teams following his impressive performance. The All-Star big man met with the Los Angeles Lakers this summer. Duren was viewed as a potential frontcourt partner for star guard Luka Doncic. His strong presence inside made him an ideal co-star for the elite floor general. However, the Lakers went a different direction and acquired Walker Kessler via a sign-and-trade deal with the Utah Jazz.
Another team that met with Duren was the Sacramento Kings. It was rumored that the Kings were ready to part ways with All-Star big man Domantas Sabonis. However, talks around the potential deal gradually died down.
The Kings could send Domantas Sabonis to Detroit in a Jalen Duren sign-and-trade, per @sam_amickpic.twitter.com/BeNedwSf2A
— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) June 29, 2026
The Boston Celtics were another team linked to Duren. Last season, they had Neemias Queta as their starting center and wanted to land the star big man as an upgrade. However, the Pistons refused to do a sign-and-trade with the Celtics.
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