New Pistons Rumors on Jalen Duren's Contract and Cade Cunningham's Impact in Potential Bidding War

Jalen Duren figures to be one of the most intriguing restricted free agency stories this offseason after the best season of his career and a disappointing playoff performance, and his relationship with Detroit Pistons star Cade Cunningham reportedly could impact his overall contract.

"Duren is still likely to command a new contract approaching $40 million per year, a sign of his improvement, his importance to the roster and his relationship with Pistons superstar guard Cade Cunningham," ESPN's Tim Bontemps reported Thursday while noting the big man's playoff showing "likely dented his potential earnings in the eyes of rival scouts and executives."

According to Bontemps, the Pistons "would all but certainly match" an offer sheet from elsewhere if Duren landed one.

"If he wants to get a max, they'll tell him to go get one," an Eastern Conference executive said. "But he's Cade's guy, so they'll have to play it the right way."

Duren and the Pistons did not come to terms on a contract extension last offseason, which ended up being a welcome development for the 22-year-old given how productive he was during the 2025-26 campaign.

He made his first career All-Star Game and was selected to the All-NBA Third Team while averaging 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds per game. He shot 65 percent from the field as well and was a double-double threat every time he stepped on the floor.

That level of production was a major reason the Pistons finished with the best record in the Eastern Conference, although they needed the full seven games to get past the Orlando Magic in the first round before losing to the Cleveland Cavaliers in seven games in the second round.

Cavaliers-Pistons Highlights

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Duren was outplayed by Cleveland's frontcourt and averaged just 9.9 points and 7.6 rebounds a night during the series. He scored more than 11 points in just one of the seven contests and managed a combined six rebounds in losses in Games 3 and 4.

The drop in play compared to the regular season under the postseason spotlight halted much of his individual momentum, but he is still just 22 years old and figures to improve with experience.

He and Cunningham also have plenty of on-court chemistry and could be the franchise building blocks for years to come assuming there is a new contract in store for the big man this offseason.