Detroit Pistons All-Star center Jalen Duren is absent from media day and training camp as a contract standoff continues. Duren, a restricted free agent, is declining the team's five-year, $200 million fully guaranteed offer. Both sides remain at a stalemate ahead of a Thursday deadline regarding a one-year, $9.6 million qualifying offer.

Duren's representatives have made clear the dispute is no longer about money, with the player feeling disrespected by the process. This stance contrasts with how the franchise handled the contract extension of forward Ausar Thompson, who agreed to a five-year, $155 million rookie-scale deal earlier this month. The Pistons believe their offer is fair, noting Duren would leave roughly $190 million in guaranteed money on the table under the qualifying offer.

Duren, 22, had a standout regular season, earning All-NBA third-team honors after averaging 19.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, and shooting 65.0% in 28.2 minutes per game. However, his postseason performance dipped significantly, averaging 10.5 points and 8.5 rebounds as Detroit was eliminated by the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 7 of the conference semifinals. Detroit has consistently stated they want Duren back and have rejected all sign-and-trade proposals.