Jalen Duren seeks $40 million annual deal as Pistons negotiate contract

Detroit’s 22‑year‑old center Jalen Duren, an All‑NBA Third Team selection and runner‑up for Most Improved Player, is a restricted free agent demanding a contract worth roughly $40 million per season, about a quarter of the NBA salary cap.

The Pistons have made an initial offer below that figure, and league insiders expect the final agreement to settle in the mid‑$30 million range. Both the team and fellow star Cade Cunningham want Duren to stay, but the center could explore sign‑and‑trade options or an offer sheet from interested clubs such as the Los Angeles Lakers or Boston Celtics.