DETROIT — The Detroit Pistons have removed a weight-related clause from their five-year, $200 million contract offer to center Jalen Duren, according to reports. The revised proposal is now fully guaranteed and contains no weight-based stipulations as the Thursday deadline approaches.
Duren faces an 11:59 p.m. ET deadline on Thursday to accept the $200 million deal. Should he decline, he retains the option to sign a one-year, $9.6 million qualifying offer, which would lead to unrestricted free agency next summer. While Duren is eligible for a maximum contract of up to five years and $287 million, the current offer remains the primary focus of negotiations.
Pistons president of basketball operations Trajan Langdon expressed confidence that Duren will remain with the franchise this season. Addressing the media on Monday, Langdon praised the center's recent performance, stating, "We will be excited to have him in, regardless of what decision he does make. He was a huge reason for our success the last two seasons, had a tremendous season individually - last year as well. We believe he will do the same thing this year upcoming, and are excited to have him back when he gets back."
Despite interest from clubs such as the Sacramento Kings and Milwaukee Bucks, the Pistons continue to reject sign-and-trade inquiries. The Kings have not engaged in formal discussions with Detroit regarding Duren since late June, leaving the decision squarely in the hands of the player and his representatives.