Pistons legend gets honest about Jalen Duren's rocky situation with the team

Jul 09, 2026 - 05:05

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Pistons legend gets honest about Jalen Duren's rocky situation with the team originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The primary story for the Detroit Pistons over the past few weeks has been all about Jalen Duren. The 22-year-old just had the best season of his career, averaging 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds per game for the best team in the Eastern Conference.

Duren even earned his first All-Star and All-NBA nods during the 2025-26 season. With that kind of success, it is fair for him to ask for the biggest contract possible. However, the counter-argument to that will always be his struggles in the 2026 Playoffs, where he had a significant drop-off.

Rick Mahorn finds no problems with Jalen Duren seeking a max contract

In the Playoffs, he only averaged 10.2 points and 8.5 rebounds per game while struggling on both ends of the game. It was not the kindest of runs for Duren, and it has significantly hurt his reputation around the league. That led to the Pistons expressing their desire to re-sign him, but it has also made him a bit unsettled with the Pistons.

He is a restricted free agent at the moment, so he is open to negotiating with other teams. However, the Pistons can always match the contract being offered to him. That leaves him in a precarious situation, as he might want to leave for another team, but the Pistons will most likely match the offer.

MORE: Jalen Duren might be facing the same problems Jonathan Kuminga faced with the Warriors

Duren is looking for the biggest payday possible, but the Pistons might not be willing to give him that. The rest of the league has also become well aware of his struggles in the Playoffs, so it is normal for them to be hesitant to give him that. Pistons legend Rick Mahorn thinks this is perfectly normal, and he does not blame Duren at all for searching around the league.

"I'm not mad at him. Why not shop your services to other teams? Try to ensure you get equal compensation to a degree, and see what the Pistons are going to bring up. It wasn't a great Playoff, but he had a hell of a season, making the All-Star team," Mahorn said about Duren's situation on SiriusXM NBA Radio.

Mahorn makes a valid point because Duren wants to maximize his earnings in the league. While he is still young, getting the biggest contract possible at the moment can be life-changing.

Yes, he can earn a lot more as his career progresses, but it is hard to pass up an opportunity like this. That is why Mahorn does not have any problem with Duren doing what he is doing today.