REPORT: Detroit Pistons, Jalen Duren Nearing Deal. Ausar Thompson Next?
DETROIT, MI – The Detroit Pistons took center stage in the NBA after reports of an impending deal with All-NBA big man Jalen Duren.
Jake Fischer broke the news Tuesday, via Bleacher Report on August 25, 2026. The Pistons and Duren are nearing a 4 year-$160M+ contract.
According to sources close to the situation, Duren and the team ARE on good terms despite prior unverified rumors of nasty negotiations.
And to be fair Trajan Langdon began the off-season stating nothing would leak from their camp. He also said he expected great negotiations despite both parties needing to find the best middle ground.
The noise of a Duren and Pistons rift was toned down after Fischer’s report. But fan discourse about the contract news has turned up. Despite more level heads than expected following the news, not everyone is happy about the details.
JALEN DUREN TO GET $40M+ PER YEAR… TOO MUCH?!
The instant back and forth dialogue has revolved around the money and playoff performance.
Duren earned the opportunity to lobby for a max contract after earning All-Star honors and an All-NBA 3rd team selection.
But those hesitant to see Pistons fork over the cash believe the playoff performance should heavily outweigh the regular season improvements.
He averaged 19.5 points, 10.5 rebounds and 2 assists in 70 regular season games last season. He also saw improvements to efficiency rating which jumped from 21.4 to 26.1, while shooting 65% FG and 75% FT.
But those averages crashed when facing playoff pressure and physicality. He put up 10.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 2.3 turnovers a game.
The shooting splits also suffered greatly with him only shooting 51.4% FG and 67.4% FT in the post season.
Up until this point, Jalen Duren being one of the youngest players in the league, was used to cover any growing pains.
But with a near max deal looming that shade has quickly retracted and expectations, rightfully, turned up.
Trajan Langdon SETTING THE Pace
Trajan Langdon and the Pistons front office has been one of the best at navigating the NBA’s CBA. That includes the 1st and 2nd Apron, tax implications, salary floor, exemptions and more. So much more difficult that even some league execs have made blunders missing small but crucial details.
Shout out to Joe Dumars and the New Orleans Pelicans handing over a 2-year GUARANTEED contract to DeAndre Jordan…..
There’s been no indication during Langdon’s tenure that should concern you should Duren get $160M+ deal.
There’s been many who’ve brought up the last Pistons center to make an All-NBA team, Andre Drummond. Stan Van Gundy, former front office head, handed him a max deal which didn’t age as expected. Most fans in fact resent the deal, and even Drummond has admitted to wasting the opportunity.
With Duren, the Pistons appear to be moving at their own speed. Instead of caving to the chaos, panic or pressure, they seem locked in to their off-season plan.
Past Pistons regimes probably hand Duren a max deal as soon as free agency starts. Whether warranted or not. But Langdon has aptly worked to improve the Pistons roster without being rushed to do anything.
That’s why we sit less than 2 months away from the regular season’s start without the Pistons 2nd All-Star re-signed yet.
Ausar Thompson Deal Looming THIS OFF-SEASON?!
An impending deal to lock up one of the NBA’s best defenders with the Pistons for years to come is reportedly on the way before the season tips.
Ausar Thomposon took his performance to another level last season by earning NBA All-Defensive First Team honors.
No one questions his defense, or signing him to a long term deal. But many hope to see more on the offensive side.
Videos of Thompson’s off-season workouts and hoop runs have encouraged fans that he may be finally ready to take the leap.
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