The Detroit Pistons had one of their best and most successful seasons in recent memory during the 2025-26 campaign. They went 44-38 and made the playoffs for the first time in five seasons. Cade
Cunningham proved that he's a star in this league and played a major role in the turnaround.
It wasn't only Cunningham, though, as the Pistons had several veterans and young guys step up. Next season will look different as Dennis Schroder, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Malik Beasley will no longer be on the team.
They added Duncan Robinson, Caris LaVert this offseason and also nabbed Chaz Lanier in the NBA draft. While these additions have been solid, Jalen Duren is going to be the best value for this team next season.
Pistons Center Jalen Duren Will Be the Team’s Best Value Next Season
Duren is entering the last year of his rookie deal and is slated to have a cap hit of $6.4 million. Since becoming the 13th overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft for the Pistons, Duren has provided the Pistons with an athletic and physical presence along the interior.
Last season, he ranked eighth in the NBA in rebounds (10.3) and second in field-goal percentage (69.2%) with 11.8 points per game. Duren also finished eighth in the NBA in double-doubles (41).
He has the mentality and plays with the grit that the city of Detroit embraces. After this season, he could be in line for an extension in the ballpark of four years, around $112 million.
Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr., who was the 3rd overall pick in the same draft as Duren, inked a five-year, $122 million extension this offseason. In his career, Smith Jr. is averaging 13 points, 7.5 rebounds, and shoots 43.2% from the field.
Meanwhile, Duren has put up 11.5 points, 10.2 rebounds, and made 65% of his field goal attempts. It wouldn't be a surprise to see the Memphis product ask for a deal in the same ballpark.
Duren is the exact type of big man they would want to have for the long haul, and they should appreciate his low cap hit for the 2025-26 season, as he'll be terrific value for this team.