Detroit reaches an agreement after a prolonged contract dispute
Jalen Duren has agreed to a five-year, $200 million contract with the Detroit Pistons, according to reports published late October 1 in the United States. The agreement ends the restricted free agency dispute that kept the centre off Detroit’s initial training-camp roster.
ESPN’s Shams Charania reported the terms with confirmation from Duren’s agent, Chafie Fields. The Associated Press separately confirmed the agreement through a person with knowledge of the deal, noting that the Pistons had not announced the signing at the time of its report.
The decision came before the deadline on a one-year qualifying offer worth approximately $9.6 million. Accepting that shorter deal would have set up unrestricted free agency the following summer. The reported multiyear contract instead provides a longer commitment between Detroit and its starting centre.
Duren, 22, averaged 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds in 70 games last season and earned his first All-Star selection as well as All-NBA Third Team recognition. Detroit finished first in the Eastern Conference before losing in the second round of the playoffs.
The agreement resolves the immediate contract question, but his return to team activities and preseason availability are separate updates to follow. For the Pistons, the next step is bringing Duren back into preparations after a negotiation that continued beyond the opening of camp.