New Jalen Duren Rumors on Message from Pistons Governor That Helped Seal $200M Contract

Detroit Pistons owner Tom Gores reportedly played a significant role in convincing Jalen Duren to end his contract standoff by signing a five-year, $200 million deal, according to The Athletic's Sam Amick.

According to Amick, Gores "spent Duren's decision day sending a meaningful message that played a pivotal part in his decision."

Amick reported Gores "made a promise to Duren and his family that he would help provide a more positive Pistons experience" that served as "at minimum, an acknowledgement that this sensitive situation had gone sideways."

Duren, who hit restricted free agency after averaging 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds per game in his All-Star fourth season before his production dropped in the playoffs, was eligible for a $287 million maximum contract.

Amick first reported in June Duren was considering seeking a sign-and-trade away from Detroit after being "underwhelmed" by the Pistons' first offer.

Most of the negotiations since then apparently weren't conducted directly with Pistons president of basketball operations Trajan Langdon, who said earlier this week he had "not spoken to [Duren] all summer."

The Pistons also caused friction with Duren by including mandatory monthly weight check-ins in their initial version of the $200 million offer before rescinding the clause earlier this week, Hunter Patterson and Amick reported for The Athletic.

At least some of those issues were seemingly resolved just before the restricted free agent signing deadline of Thursday night, at which point the Pistons had increased their offer from $170 to $190 million to a fully-guaranteed $200 million, per ESPN's Shams Charania.

The Pistons will now hope to bring Duren, who missed the beginning of training camp, back into the fold before tipping off the regular season Oct. 20 against the visiting Boston Celtics.