It has been ten days since Cade Cunningham suffered a collapsed lung against the Washington Wizards. Besides the obvious concerns about Cunningham's short and long-term health, Pistons fans were left wondering what this meant for the rest of the team and their playoff hopes. Who would step up in Cunningham's absence, and how would this impact a team that is so dependent on the superstar guard, especially offensively? A lot of eyes were on Jalen Duren to see whether he would be able to keep his offensive production up without Cunningham feeding him.
Not only did the talented center step up and exceed all expectations, but he has also given the Pistons a massive offseason question to answer.
Jalen Duren Is Shining in Cade Cunningham's Absence
In the last six games, Duren is averaging 26.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 2.7 assists in 30.5 minutes per game on 67.5% from the field and 86.4% from the free-throw line, leading the Pistons to a 5-1 record. Even without Cunningham, Duren was able to create enough shots for himself, whether it's through facing up, grabbing offensive rebounds, or being the roll man in pick-and-rolls with Daniss Jenkins. Despite having more of the defense's attention, Duren was still highly efficient finishing around the rim and getting fouled. As a result, the Pistons won Duren's minutes by an average of 11.5 points over this stretch.
It's important that Duren was able to prove that he is not entirely dependent on Cunningham for good looks. This will inevitably raise his value for the Pistons and around the league, especially if he keeps this up over the next few weeks.
Duren will be a restricted free agent in the offseason. The Pistons and the 22-year-old center couldn't come to an extension agreement last year. Detroit still has a chance to match any offer sheet and can offer him more years and salary than any other team on the market.
The Pistons can re-sign Duren for a maximum contract of five years, $239 million. If he makes an All-NBA team this season, this figure goes up to a whopping $287 million over five years. With how many players are no longer eligible to make an All-NBA team due to the 65-game rule, Duren's chances of making it are not slim.
Even if he doesn't, an annual salary of $47.8 million for the next five years is a lot of money for the Pistons. Having two players on maximum contracts on the payroll makes roster building a serious challenge for any team. Duren has taken a massive step forward this season, but still has a few weaknesses. He doesn't shoot, he is not an elite rim protector, and fouls too much, which prevents him from playing too many minutes. There are certainly risks associated with paying Duren a max contract.
However, the Pistons might not have a choice. Playing hardball with Duren may alienate him. He should be able to get a max offer from elsewhere in free agency, which would be around four years, $177.4 million. The Pistons could match this offer and retain Duren, but how happy he would be in that situation is unclear. It might not be worth pissing Duren off just to save a few million dollars per year.
If the Pistons go all the way and make the NBA Finals, this would be a great problem to have in the offseason. Regardless of where the Pistons' season ends, however, negotiations with Duren will be a major talking point all summer.