DETROIT — Jalen Duren remained without a new contract as the Detroit Pistons prepared to open training camp Tuesday, leaving the status of their All-Star center unresolved after he missed Monday’s media day.
Duren is a restricted free agent. ESPN reported that Detroit had offered a fully guaranteed five-year, $200 million contract, but the sides had not reached an agreement. That reported offer should not be confused with a completed deal.
The next significant date is Thursday, when Duren’s qualifying offer is scheduled to expire unless the deadline is extended. Accepting that one-year option would be a different route from agreeing to the long-term contract the sides have been discussing.
Pistons president Trajan Langdon indicated that the organization remains prepared to welcome Duren back. “We are excited to have him back when he gets back,” Langdon said Monday.
Coach J.B. Bickerstaff also kept his public comments conciliatory as the rest of the roster gathered for the start of camp. Detroit has not announced an agreement or a confirmed date for Duren’s return.
The 22-year-old center averaged 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds while shooting 65 percent in 70 regular-season games. Those numbers made him a major part of Detroit’s success and helped establish the value at issue in the negotiations.
His postseason production was lower, with a 10.2-point average during a run that included seven-game series against Orlando and Cleveland. Detroit advanced past the Magic before losing to the Cavaliers.
The Pistons have made other commitments around the roster, including a five-year agreement with Ausar Thompson, while Cade Cunningham remains under contract through 2029–30. Duren’s negotiations are the remaining issue most directly affecting the center position as practice begins.
For now, the basketball and contract schedules are moving at different speeds. Detroit can begin installing its camp work with the players present, but its opening preparations remain incomplete until Duren’s availability is settled.
