After a long process of restricted free agency, he became a third-team All-NBA center Jalen Duren officially signed it five-year, $200 million contract with Art Pistons on Friday. According to Amari Sankoff II of The Detroit Free Press , the 22-year-old big man addressed the media on Sunday to confirm his commitment to the team and clear up some rumors that he believes have misrepresented him and the situation.Link to video on Twitter).
“I’m a Detroit Piston. I want to be a Detroit Piston for the rest of my life. I want to give everything I have to the Pistons and the fans” Duren said (Twitter references from Sankoff). “… I want the city to know that I really believe in what we’re building. I really believe in the players, the organization and the players we have. And I want you to believe in me and my work ethic and my ability to want to grow as a person and as a player.”
Various reports throughout the offseason suggested that Duren was feeling “disrespected” because of his contract negotiations with the Pistons and that he planned to sign a one-year, $9.6 million qualifying offer with unrestricted free agency next year to join a new team.
On Sunday, Duren called the limited freedom of choice a learning process.
“I never looked at it as a terrible situation because people go through much worse” Duren said, according to Sankoff (Twitter references). “We are talking about big money. I couldn’t be upset about it in any way… I’ve expanded my knowledge of the business side of the game and it’s benefited me greatly.
“… There’s a business component that we’ve talked about before, and it took me a while to realize and understand it because I’m going through it for the first time. I can admit that I have flaws and we all do. We are here to work on them“, Duren added.
Here’s more from Duren’s press conference:
- As productive as Duren was during his breakout regular season, he struggled in the 2026 playoffs. According to Hunter Patterson of The Athletic (Link to video on Twitter). “It was hurtful, I just need to get better“, Duren said. … (Last season I had) some of the highest points of my career and some of the lowest points, and that’s part of the game. Not everything will be perfect. But I’m brave enough to admit my flaws, and I’m brave enough to admit I’m not perfect. And I’m also brave enough to get my ass in the gym and work on these things and get better. I’m not trying to run away from anything.”
- When asked to describe his main emotions after signing a lucrative new contract, Duren said it was difficult to narrow them down to one. tweets Sankofa. “I would say relief and excitement, a lot of emotions“, Duren said.Just happy for my family. I’m the one on the front lines and everyone’s asking what’s this, what’s this, but my family is hearing it and going through it too… I’m happy it’s over for them.”
- Duren said he was excited about the Pistons’ offseason additions, but noted it was difficult to see former teammates Isaiah Stewart and Tobias Harris join new clubs. “Those guys were like brothers to me, and To’ was like an older brother to me” Duren said (Link to Twitter via Sankofa). “ … Sad to see these guys go, but happy we’re moving in the right direction.“
