The Detroit Pistons have yet to sign restricted free agent Jalen Duren to a new contract. The All-Star center remains the best unsigned player on the market.
The negotiations between the two sides have been described as "ugly" and "noxious," which is understandable in prolonged talks. However, it sounds like neither side is interested in walking away from the negotiating table.
ESPN's Tim MacMahon reported on Friday that the Pistons "absolutely, positively, 100% intend to keep" Duren, and they have been discouraging teams from pursuing him in a sign-and-trade.
Pistons are still 100% committed to bringing Jalen Duren back
Since there is no cap space left around the league, the only way Duren can land on a different team is through a sign-and-trade. And this requires Detroit's cooperation. Not only does Duren need to agree to a contract with another team, but that team also has to offer a satisfactory trade package to the Pistons.
Many have been wondering whether the Pistons would pursue this path after failing to agree to terms with Duren. If they are unwilling to give Duren the $35 million-plus annual salary he is looking for, then there is the risk of the 22-year-old center accepting his qualifying offer instead. This would allow Duren to hit unrestricted free agency next summer after playing on a one-year, $9.6 million contract. It would also mean that the relationship between Detroit and Duren has reached a point of no return.
It turns out, however, that the Pistons have no desire to explore this path. This is hardly surprising, given that the Pistons don't have a realistic way to replace Duren before next season. Teams with serious aspirations don't give up on their 22-year-old All-NBA players ahead of a season they are trying to win a title in.
At the same time, this is still refreshing to hear. The reports about the increased tensions between the Pistons and Duren have understandably raised the concern level among the fanbase. Some had started to wonder whether the Pistons could get the most out of Duren if he feels disrespected in negotiations.
As long as Duren gets life-changing money in line with other young stars in the league, how long it takes to get a deal done will not matter in the end.
NBA insider Jake Fischer reported earlier in the week that the sides may be on track for a four-year, $160 million contract. MacMahon's reporting confirms that a deal may come sooner rather than later. As bad as the negotiations have gone, Duren's return to Detroit still seems inevitable.
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