Jalen Duren has made his feelings about Detroit very clear after months of speculation surrounding his future with the Pistons.
The 22-year-old agreed to a five-year, $200 million contract to remain in Detroit following extension negotiations that stretched throughout the summer and reportedly became contentious.
But Duren pushed back on suggestions there was any problem between himself and the organization while speaking to reporters Sunday.
“There’s been a lot of talk, speculation, false narratives around my name throughout the entire summer…” Duren said. “I’ve never spoken to anyone in the media, made any statements or comments about anything or everything that’s been out there. So you can accept those as rumors….
“I am a Detroit Piston. I want to be a Detroit Piston for life. I want to give everything I got for this city and the fans… I want the city to know that I truly do believe in what we’re building. I truly do believe in the players and the organization and the coaches that we have, and I want y’all to believe in me and my work ethic and my ability to want to grow as a man and a player.”
Duren is coming off a breakout season in which he averaged 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds while helping Detroit win 60 games. He was also named an All-Star and earned All-NBA honors.
However, his production dropped during the playoffs, where he averaged 10.2 points and 8.5 rebounds per game.
“It was humbling, I just need to get better…” Duren said. “I’m man enough to acknowledge my flaws, and I’m man enough to acknowledge that I’m not perfect. And I’m also man enough to get my ass in the gym and work on those things and get better. I’m not trying to run from anything.”
Despite negotiations taking until close to the Oct. 1 qualifying offer deadline, Duren said he never viewed the situation negatively.
“I never looked at it as a dreadful situation because people are going through way worse,” Duren said. “We’re talking about negotiating a lot of money. There’s no way I could be upset with that.”
With the deal now complete, Duren has his long-term future secured in the place he says he wants to spend his entire career.