The Detroit Pistons have put even more money on the table for Jalen Duren, but it still might not be enough to end their offseason standoff.
Detroit has increased its offer to the restricted free-agent center to five years and $200 million after previously offering $190 million, according to multiple reports cited by Yahoo Sports.
The problem is Duren can command significantly more.
After earning Third Team All-NBA honors last season, the 22-year-old is eligible for a five-year max extension worth $287 million. Detroit, however, has reportedly shown little appetite for committing that much money, which would work out to an average salary of more than $57 million per season.
Duren certainly made his case during the regular season.
The 6-foot-10 big man averaged 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds while earning his first Eastern Conference All-Star selection and helping Detroit finish 60-22 as the East’s No. 1 seed.
His production dipped in the postseason, where he averaged 10.8 points and 8.5 rebounds as the Pistons were eliminated by Cleveland in the second round.
With the two sides still unable to reach an agreement, Duren has reportedly considered accepting his one-year, $9.6 million qualifying offer, according to Yahoo Sports. Doing so would allow him to become an unrestricted free agent next summer.
That route would carry considerable financial risk, but Duren could have potential suitors waiting.
The Sacramento Kings have reportedly shown a willingness to offer Duren a max contract in free agency, while the Milwaukee Bucks and another unnamed team have also expressed interest, according to The Athletic.
Detroit’s contract decisions elsewhere have only added another layer to the situation.
The Pistons recently agreed to a five-year, $155 million rookie-scale extension with Ausar Thompson, while Duren remains without a long-term deal despite being eligible for an extension last season.
Now the clock is ticking.
Training camp is only days away, and Detroit has raised its offer by another $10 million in an attempt to get Duren back with the team.
Whether $200 million is enough to finally break the stalemate remains the biggest question.
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