Duren declines five-year, $200 million Pistons deal

2026-09-30

Jalen Duren has declined a five-year, $200 million deal from the Detroit Pistons and has until Thursday's deadline to accept a one-year qualifying offer.

A restricted free agent, the center would reach unrestricted free agency next summer on the qualifying offer. NBA financial expert Keith Smith said: "I have long said I don't think the qualifying offer is a smart path."

In 2025-26, Duren was paid like the 215th player in the league and produced like the 3rd, per WAGE. His WAGE Score last season was 97, in the Steal! tier.

Detroit drew 18% of its production from Duren last season on 3% of its payroll. The rejected $40 million a year would ask that output to hold.