Jalen Duren Calls Out 'False' Rumors from Contentious Contract Talks with Pistons After Trade Buzz

Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren is hoping to put the rumors surrounding his contract dispute to rest.

While speaking to reporters on Sunday after signing a five-year, $200 million contract extension, Duren called out the media for the ongoing speculation surrounding his contract negotiations. The Athletic's Sam Amick had reported in June that the big man was considering seeking a sign-and-trade away from Detroit after being "underwhelmed" by the team's initial offer.

"Nothing came from me. Everything that was being heard was speculation… That's part of the media's job… I don't fault anybody for that," Duren said Sunday. "I do know that a lot of the things were false, and people believe things without it coming from the source's mouth."

Amick and The Athletic's Hunter Patterson reported last week that the Pistons also caused friction with Duren when they included a mandatory monthly weight check-in in their initial version of the $200 million offer before rescinding the clause. Amick also reported that Pistons owner Tom Gores helped smooth things over when he "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 became a restricted free agent at the end of a career year in which he averaged 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds and earned his first All-Star selection. He was eligible for a max offer of $287 million over five years, but Detroit's offer fell well below that number after his disappointing playoff performance. His scoring average dropped to just 10.5 points as the Pistons lost in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

The 22-year-old admitted that he needed to do some self-reflection after his lackluster postseason showing.

"It was humbling, I just need to get better," Duren told reporters when asked his biggest takeaway from how he ended the year. "… I'm man enough to acknowledge my flaws, and I'm man enough to acknowledge I'm not perfect. I'm also man enough to get my ass in the gym and work on those things."

It sounds like Duren has the right mindset as he tries to move forward with the Pistons and help them contend for a title this season.

"I am a Detroit Piston, I want to be a Detroit Piston for life," he said. "I want to give everything I've got for this city and the fans. From me to y'all, y'all will have everything I have. Y'all will get everything I can give."