Pa Dana Gauruder | on September 19, 2026 at 10:30 am
The Pistons took care of one of the biggest problems this offseason, agreeing to a five-year contract extension with the star defensive wing Ausar Thompson. One important piece of unfinished business remains, ending the struggle against a restricted free agent center Jalen Duren.
According to Hunter Patterson of the Athletics.Detroit management remains confident they will eventually reach a long-term deal with Duren. Pistons reportedly suggested a big man in the neighborhood of $190 million in five years.
The Pistons have resisted any sign-and-trade scenario for Duren, whose only leverage is to sign his $9.6 million qualifying offer and then become an unrestricted free agent next offseason.
Here’s more on the Pistons:
- With training camp approaching, the Pistons have an urgent need to sign Duren Detroit Free Press’ Omari Sankofaeven if it is a shorter term deal. While the club could push back the deadline for Duren to sign the qualifying offer to March 1, the Pistons have little incentive to let negotiations continue into the season, Sankofa adds.
- Thompson plans to take a more aggressive approach offensively, Thompson told Sankofa (Link to Twitter). “I see myself being a lot more aggressive … touching the paint and breaking down the defense, plus everything I already do defensively. I think that’s a great player.” he said. Last season, Thompson averaged 9.9 points in 73 games while shooting 7.9. Only 24 of his attempts came from beyond the arc — he made six.
- Can Thompson and his colleagues choose the lottery Ron Holland play together more often this season? They are a devastating defensive duo, but they need to improve on the attacking side to make it work. Patterson writes. Both worked with an assistant coach and a shooting specialist Fred Vinson on a daily basis. Holland shot just 25.3% from long range last season, his second in the league.
- Basketball president Troyan Langdon admits that the old man Tobias Harris and Isaiah Stewart will be missed. Harris signed with San Antonio as a free agent, while Stewart was traded to Memphis. “I can’t say enough about either of those two players. Tobias has been huge in building the culture and establishing it – especially with his experience, leadership, professionalism and competitive nature. He’s helped us win a ton of games on the floor. He’s not a player we can replace. He’s meant a lot to this organization. We’ll certainly miss him and appreciate everything he’s brought.” he said By Coty M. Davis of the Detroit News.
