Jalen Duren will end up with the Pistons no matter what for this reason

The 2026 NBA Free Agency period is officially open, and the drama is well underway.

Jalen Duren has been a hot topic in free agency buzz, with the Pistons and Duren struggling to find common ground on a deal before free agency began.

Despite Duren's desire to possibly sign elsewhere, he's going to end up as a Piston for this reason.

Jalen Duren will end up with the Pistons no matter what for this reason

ESPN's Marc Spears reported on Tuesday, "The Detroit Pistons have offered what the franchise believes is the most lucrative contract possible for their All-Star restricted free agent Jalen Duren, are not interested in any sign and trade deals and will match any potential offer sheet he signs."

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Duren will still end up getting a decent check from whatever team he signs with, but the Pistons have control over him, since he's a restricted free agent, not an unrestricted free agent.

We've seen this happen in the past, with De'Andre Ayton as an example of a player who signed elsewhere on a massive contract, but didn't play for a new team since the Suns matched the offer.

It would be a major blow if the Pistons lose Duren, after he was an all-star last season and was a major piece of the Pistons roster that was the #1 seed in the East.

They already traded away Isaiah Stewart, and would be lacking at the center position if they lost him in free agency.

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