Why Jalen Duren’s contract situation gets trickier after Ausar Thompson’s extension with Pistons

Jalen Duren remains a restricted free agent as he has yet to resolve his contract issues with the Detroit Pistons. That hasn’t stopped the franchise from securing a long-term extension with Ausar Thompson.

Thompson and Duren stand out as pivotal pieces to the Pistons’ recent success in 2025 and 2026. So how does Thompson’s extension impact Duren’s standing with the organization?

Why Jalen Duren’s contract situation gets trickier for Pistons

Thompson and Detroit agreed to a five-year extension worth $155 million. It will go into effect starting in the 2027-28 campaign following the last year of Thompson’s rookie contract, which is this upcoming season.

Thompson has been crucial to Detroit’s success, especially on the defensive side of the ball. His ability to hound ball-handlers and guard elite scorers have garnered acclaim, resulting in Detroit’s decision to secure him for the long term.

Thompson does have limitations, particularly on offense. His jump shot remains a work in development as he relies more on off-ball movement for his general shot selection. Despite this, the Pistons saw it fit to give him $31 million a year for his next contract with the value he brings on the wing as a defender. Which brings the question back to Duren: Why hasn’t he gotten his extension yet?

Thompson got his extension after earning All-Defensive first team honors, finishing third in Defensive Player of the Year voting. As for Duren, he earned a spot on the All-NBA Third Team, meaning he performed well as one of the 15 best players of the season as he met the requirements to make one of the three All-NBA teams.

This achievement paves the way for him to earn more money on his next contract. Therefore, Duren is rightfully attempting to maximize his earnings as a star center in the NBA.

But the Pistons have been hesitant on that end. Following his underwhelming displays in the 2026 playoffs, they have been willing to give him a significant extension but not to the lengths he wants them to go.

Detroit recently sent him a deal that would have him earn a total of $190 million throughout five years. However, Duren is asking for $200 million in that span. The difference has been enough to prolong the holdout between both parties.

Thompson making $31 million starting in 2027 would effectively makes him the second-highest paid player on the Pistons, only behind Cade Cunningham, if Duren’s not in the picture. With Duren asking for $40 million, it would make him second while Thompson takes third if he gets that type of deal.

Detroit wants to continue its success of winning games as they have with Cunningham leading the show. However, they are aware that overpaying would put them as risk of losing key talents on the roster, especially off the bench. They want to maintain flexibility while treating their top players with favorable contracts, something that the Duren situation has proved to be difficult for them so far.

Duren entertaining Kings’ offer

Duren does have the qualifying offer to utilize if he can’t come to an agreement with the Pistons this offseason. It would make him an unrestricted free agent in 2027, presenting the risk of Detroit seeing him walk for nothing.

Duren would garner interest as a quality center in the league, receiving attention from several teams. One of those squads are the Sacramento Kings, who have the cap space to grant him the max extension he is coveting. While he has yet to accept any offer from them this summer, they still present an avenue for him to take if Detroit doesn’t budge.

The downside is that Sacramento is in rebuild mode. Besides playing in a tough Western Conference, the Kings have been unable to replicate their success in 2023 when they made the playoffs for the first time since 2006. It will take a lot for Duren to prove himself worthy of that contract, even with the tax laws in California playing bigger impacts on the annual salary.

What’s next for Pistons

The Pistons clearly resolved one of their situations with Ausar Thompson inking his contract extension. It paves the way for them to fully focus on Duren before the 2026-27 season gets underway.

Detroit has enjoyed its best years of playoff success since the mid-to-late 2000s, finally winning a playoff series for the first time since 2008. While a Conference Finals appearance and an NBA Finals berth remain the big goals, there is no denying that Thompson and Duren played huge roles in Detroit’s return to playoff contention alongside Cade Cunningham.

The Pistons still have weeks to address Duren’s next contract. If they still can’t come to an agreement, then Duren can take the qualifying offer and wait next summer for a better offer if he chooses.

Detroit wants to remain flexible by improving other parts of the roster, making their situation with Duren intriguing. If they figure out a compromise, fans can breathe easy. If not, then the 2027 offseason may be a chaotic one for both parties.