Jalen Duren Contract Talks Updated by Pistons Exec Amid Lakers Rumors Ahead of NBA Free Agency

Detroit Pistons president of basketball operations Trajan Langdon played coy when addressing the state of negotiations with center Jalen Duren.

Langdon told reporters the two sides haven't seriously discussed a new deal, and he added that any updates moving forward could be limited:

From a player standpoint, Duren was one of the biggest losers of the 2026 postseason.

The 6'10" big had a career year in 2025-26, which aligned perfectly with his restricted free agency this summer. An All-Star for the first time, he averaged 19.5 points, 10.5 rebounds and 0.8 blocks in 70 appearances.

A max contract or something near that looked plausible.

Then the Pistons embarked on their playoff run. Duren's production dropped and he simply didn't rise to the occasion.

Perhaps traditional centers will be back en vogue as the NBA counteracts San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama. Still, a team has to really believe in a more old-school 5 if it's prepared to pay him nine figures.

As bad as the last month was for Duren, The Athletic's Hunter Patterson reported on June 3 he could command $200 million to $220 million over five years.

Opposing teams could test Detroit's resolve by throwing an offer sheet his way. ESPN's Dave McMenamin reported Thursday the Los Angeles Lakers may target Duren or the Utah Jazz's Walker Kessler as they try to improve inside.

The Pistons, for their part, don't want to lowball Duren or let this saga drag on and risk alienating him.

Deandre Ayton and the Phoenix Suns were already on shaky ground, and their relationship never recovered after how his restricted free agency was handled in 2022. The same was true for the Golden State Warriors and Jonathan Kuminga.

Based on Langdon's remarks, Detroit continues to value Duren highly and has every intention of keeping him around.