Deciding whether to bring back Jalen Duren was only the second-biggest question for the Detroit Pistons this offseason, as they size up a vastly different Eastern Conference than the one that saw them win 60 games and the No. 1 seed last season. The monthslong saga was over money, but also power and respect. A lack of personal touch and a direct, if not harsh, approach to negotiations helped stretch it out.
Duren's 10.2 points and 8.5 rebounds over 14 playoff games, combined with the protracted talks, left a sour taste with many. His postseason also exposed the heavy load MVP candidate Cade Cunningham carried, as the guard had nine games with five or more turnovers, underscoring the need for another premier shot creator. The Pistons pursued Kawhi Leonard and Kevin Durant this offseason and were ready to offer Austin Reaves a big free-agent deal, but none of it materialized.
Instead, Detroit was left with Duren, who faced both a rough playoff run and restricted free agency. The team offered a deal starting around $30 million per year, and he eventually received $200 million over five years, or about $40 million annually. "Looking in the mirror, I do need to get better," Duren said at the team's facility. "I'm man enough to acknowledge my flaws."
At 22, Duren has time to grow, but the East is loaded. The 76ers added two Finals MVPs, Tyrese Haliburton returns to the Pacers, Giannis Antetokounmpo joins the Heat's system, and the champion New York Knicks remain formidable. Detroit needs an All-Star-caliber center playing at his best just to compete. Duren's regular season, including becoming the third Piston to earn All-NBA honors at his age or younger, showed what he can do. Now the question is whether he can deliver consistently when it matters most.
Source: ESPN NBA · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing