Pistons' Jalen Duren predicted to make $9.6M contract decision as disastrous stalemate continues

The Detroit Pistons are trying to figure out why Jalen Duren and his camp are playing so hard to get with training camp only a few weeks away. Duren and his camp have not lowered their expectations for his next contract.

Duren was a huge part of the success the Pistons had a season ago, but he went quiet in the playoffs. Detroit has offered him a $190 million contract, but it was declined.

“Per league sources, Detroit’s last offer was a five-year deal in the $190 million range. Duren, who is eligible to receive a five-year, $287 million contract, is seeking at least $200 million,” The Athletic’s Sam Amick wrote.

With training camp only getting closer, his camp is starting to send warnings. The biggest warning is that Duren will accept the qualifying offer if nothing is figured out soon.

“The Pistons have no plans to increase their extension offer to Jalen Duren before training camp begins in a few weeks. Detroit believes they've offered Duren a fair long-term deal for both sides. Duren's camp is threatening the qualifying offer soon, if a max isn't presented," NBA reporter Evan Sidery posted.

If Duren accepts the qualifying offer, all the control from Detroit is out the window. Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus believes Duren will take the qualifying offer.

“He was less productive throughout the playoffs, but he should still get a sizable raise to stay as one of the more talented young centers in the league. Clearly, the Pistons aren't willing to max him out, but he has no obvious alternative as a restricted free agent, given that no other team has the cap room to issue a viable offer sheet. If Duren and Detroit cannot reach a long-term deal, he would need to take his one-year, $9.6 million qualifying offer,” Pincus wrote.

For the Pistons, it is pretty simple: give the man $10 million more or lose him after this season for good. With training camp only a few weeks away, this decision will be made soon, but the qualifying offer is likely to happen.

There is no doubt that if Duren performed well in the playoffs, he would have gotten his large contract. The Pistons have been clear that they will not go higher on a deal. However, with this new threat, that could change.

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