Not even a five-year, $200m offer from the Detroit Pistons has been enough to repair their relationship with Jalen Duren. The 22-year-old centre feels disrespected by the club, and with just a week to go until media day, the traditional start of the NBA's pre-season, talks between the Pistons and their restricted free agent have reached a complete impasse. Under restricted free agency, Detroit retain the right to match any offer he receives from another team. The front office initially offered the young big man between $180m and $190m, a package that included specific weight-related bonuses. Negotiations became far more complicated, however, once the Pistons agreed a five-year, $155m deal with Ausar Thompson, worth $31m a season. From that moment, Duren felt overlooked.
According to insiders, the relationship between Duren and the Pistons may already be beyond repair. The club eventually raised its offer to $200m, yet the young centre is determined to leave and continue his career elsewhere. Detroit, for their part, have no intention of trading one of their brightest talents, and that stance is only deepening the standoff.
