Jalen Duren, Pistons' 'Uncomfortable' Contract Talks and Impact on Salary Cap Theorized by NBA GM

One executive from a Western Conference team projected Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren to wind up in the $30-million per year range on his next contract.

"What's a number that could leave both sides uncomfortable? That might be what it takes to ultimately get a deal done," the exec told ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Brian Windhorst.

Bontemps and Windhorst noted Duren can make up to $287 million over five years if he earns an All-NBA nod. They added that "that is a zone where the Pistons might not venture" when Cade Cunningham is already earning $53.8 million annually.

Duren was an All-Star for the first time and averaged 19.5 points, 10.5 rebounds and 0.8 blocks in the regular season. He took a big step forward on the court.

The 22-year-old's performance in the playoffs isn't doing him any favors in terms of his earning power, though. He averaged 10.6 points on 52.8 percent shooting in the first round against the Orlando Magic.

Duren's lack of scoring range will always be a bigger limitation in the postseason than it is the rest of the year. The way in which the Magic, who don't have an elite frontcourt, slowed him down around the basket was a concerning sign when trying to project his value moving forward.

The Pistons play the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second round, which will present an even bigger test to Duren. Evan Mobley was the Defensive Player of the Year in 2024-25, and Jarrett Allen plays bigger than his 6'9" frame.

Matching up with the Cavs also gives Duren a great opportunity to immediately address his growing skeptics. A big series would speak for itself regarding how much he's worth for Detroit or another team that wants to test the Pistons' resolve on the restricted free agent.