New Jalen Duren Rumors Update Sign-and-Trade Talks amid Pistons Contract Buzz

After skipping media day and the start of training camp this week, Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren's absence reportedly could extend into the 2026-27 season.

Duren, who is a restricted free agent, has until Thursday to agree to a one-year, $9.6 million qualifying offer. He was eligible to receive a maximum offer of $287 million over five years, but the team reportedly offered him a five-year, $200 million fully guaranteed contract, which he has continued to reject.

The Athletic's Hunter Patterson reported that if the Pistons extend the deadline for the qualifying offer from Thursday, "there could be a scenario where Duren misses preseason and regular-season games if both sides are unable to decide on a new contract — though that'd seem extremely unprecedented and unlikely considering Duren's regular-season production."

Despite the ongoing stalemate, it doesn't sound like Detroit is motivated to get rid of the 22-year-old. Patterson noted, "As things stand, the Pistons have shown a reluctance to even engage in discussions around sign-and-trade packages for Duren."

Patterson and Sam Amick previously reported that the Sacramento Kings and Milwaukee Bucks "are known to be among the teams with serious interest" in trading for Duren, who was selected to his first All-Star Game last season.

For now, it appears that the Pistons are content to let things play out as Duren mulls his contract decision. Detroit will play its first preseason game against the Phoenix Suns on Oct. 5 before opening the regular season against the Boston Celtics on Oct. 20.