Most of the best free agents are already off the board, but there’s still one major holdout without a resolution: Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren. He entered restricted free agency this summer fully expecting a max contract offer, but he remains unsigned to this day as both sides try (and fail) to strike a deal.
It’s already bad enough that the Pistons are dealing with this distraction, but it’s even worse when you consider that they’ll be in the same position again next year with Ausar Thompson. According to The Athletic, they risk losing the young shooting guard if they fail to agree on an extension, just like what’s happening with Duren.
“First, the Pistons need to know what Duren’s number will be on their books in 2028 and 2029 before they can finalize their cap planning and determine their best path for Thompson’s next deal,” wrote John Hollinger of The Athletic. “Second, there is an important question of which player they value more, one that will play out rather publicly if Thompson inks an extension shortly after Duren’s deal is completed. Of course, it’s possible that, as with Duren, Detroit doesn’t agree with Thompson on an extension and he becomes a restricted free agent next summer.”
The Pistons are coming off an impressive season. Behind the combined efforts of Duren, Thompson, and Cade Cunningham, they finished with the best record in the East (60-22) en route to a run to the Eastern Semifinals. It was a step in the right direction after years of mediocrity, but everything they built is at risk of collapse.
Whatever happens with Duren will have a ripple effect on everything going forward. They want him back on a team-friendly deal, but they don’t think he’s worth his asking price after a mediocre playoff performance. If they cave and sign him to a massive contract, they may not have the flexibility to take care of Thompson. Even if they give up Duren, there’s no guarantee they will keep Ausar, which could leave them without two of their top three starters. That’s not to mention the loss of Tobias Harris, who signed with the Spurs this summer.
At this point, it’s up to the Pistons to decide who they value more between Thompson and Duren, but they cannot afford to lose both. With the Eastern Conference improving, the Pistons should be adding to their team, not fighting to keep them together. That’s why they would prefer to keep both on a deal that would preserve their financial flexibility. But if they had to pick one or the other, Ausar might just be the choice. While his stats are relatively modest (9.9 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.1 assists per game), they believe he’s a better long-term fit for their current vision.
At this point, it’s just a waiting game for the Pistons. They can’t really settle on an extension for Thompson until they have a deal with Duren, making their situation all the more dire. But without an agreement in sight (and negotiations likely to stretch into September), the Pistons will have to take action soon or risk losing all the progress they’ve made.
