Jalen Duren chose to decline a contract extension with the Detroit Pistons last offseason, and after earning All-NBA honors during a breakout campaign, the decision initially looked like the right move.
However, his inconsistent playoff performances may now impact the value of the contract he receives in restricted free agency.
Duren qualifies for the Rose rule maximum contract, which could start at nearly $49 million annually and account for 30 percent of the salary cap.
Still, ESPN projects his market closer to roughly $40 million per season, which would place his next deal around $200 million over five years and below the 25 percent cap threshold.
“If he wants to get a max, they’ll tell him to go get one,” an Eastern Conference executive told ESPN. “But he’s Cade’s guy, so they’ll have to play it the right way.”
The 22-year-old center was dominant throughout the regular season, averaging 19.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 2.0 assists in 70 games while posting a 25.8 PER.
His numbers dropped sharply in the playoffs, though, where he averaged just 10.2 points and 8.5 rebounds with a 14.3 PER across 14 postseason appearances.
Despite those struggles, Duren remains one of the NBA’s youngest rising stars leaving significant room for continued growth.
Jalen Duren Likely To Sign For Under 25 Percent Of Salary Cap In Free Agency https://t.co/K70qDqxn8X
— RealGM (@RealGM) May 28, 2026
