Pistons Hit Jalen Duren With Low-Ball Contract Offer: Report
The Pistons and Jalen Duren have been at a stalemate over his contract situation, and the latest offer was lower than expected.
The Detroit Pistons are currently engaged in a contract stalemate with All-Star forward Jalen Duren, as the team's latest offer is significantly lower than what Duren's representatives are seeking. According to ESPN's Tim McMahon, the Pistons presented Duren with a five-year, $35 million contract, but Duren's camp was aiming for an offer exceeding $40 million. McMahon described the situation as a "staring contest" that has persisted into September.
Duren has the option to accept a $9.6 million qualifying offer from the Pistons, which would make him an unrestricted free agent next season. While this would mean forgoing $170 million or more in guaranteed salary, McMahon noted that such moves are uncommon, with only 21 players taking a qualifying offer since 1998.
Duren, who averaged 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds per game during the Pistons' 60-win, Eastern Conference champion season, may opt to become a free agent if negotiations fail. The Pistons, however, are determined to retain key players and build a strong team around them, given the limitations imposed by the collective bargaining agreement. With training camp set to begin on September 29, the two sides have roughly four weeks to reach a resolution on Duren's future with the franchise.
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