Pistons' Jalen Duren gets promising $37 million contract update

Pistons' Jalen Duren gets promising $37 million contract update originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

There's is a lot of uncertainty surrounding Jalen Duren's future with the Detroit Pistons.

But his maximum price tag is officially set. 

The Pistons' big man was named to the All-NBA Third Team. He's now eligible for a five-year, $287 million contract. 

The question is, has he given Detroit's front office a reason to pony up the cash? 

Jalen Duren gets $37 million potential contract boost

Before being named to an All-NBA team, Duren was eligible for a five-year, $239 million contract. Thanks to his All-NBA honors, he could earn a max of $287 million. 

Duren's regular season performance is not under scrutiny. He notched a career-high 19 points a game and added 11 rebounds on a 1-seeded team.

It's his postseason performance that's on trial. The big man regularly disappearing in playoff games garnered headlines. It's also a big factor in why the Pistons are in offseason mode rather than chasing a championship.

By making All-NBA, Jalen Duren is now eligible to sign a five-year max deal with the Detroit Pistons worth a projected $287.1M (30% of the cap):

26-27: $49.5M
27-28: $53.5M
28-29: $57.4M
29-30: $61.4M
30-31: $65.3M

Duren's max with the Pistons was previously 5/$239.3M

Max with…— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) May 24, 2026

So while Duren is eligible for $287 million, it's uncertain if the Pistons want to invest that in him. 

They saw players like Paul Reed outshining Duren in the postseason for a fraction of the cost.

They may decide it's bargain or bust for the talented big man.

MORE: 3 biggest questions for the Detroit Pistons entering the offseason