A new report brings a pair of Detroit Pistons rumors that will frustrate their fanbase, including no trades before the deadline.
The Pistons were one of the best stories in the NBA last season. As they went from being the worst team in the league to making a surprise birth in the playoffs. To the joy of Detroit fans, the team took that momentum and growth from 2024-25 and has powered its way to the top of the Eastern Conference standings.
Heading into their game on Wednesday, the Pistons own the best record in the conference (23-6) and the second-best in the NBA. However, there are doubts if they can overcome teams like the New York Knicks, Boston Celtics, and Orlando Magic when push comes to shove in the playoffs.
That is why there has been speculation that they could make an impact trade before February’s deadline. Or maybe not. According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, he claims, “The Pistons have consistently messaged that they’re not looking to be aggressive in adding to their top-of-the-East roster.”
Jalen Duren Could Pursue Max Deal This Summer
Along with maintaining the status quo this season and not making a big trade, Fischer adds that the DET Pistons could be forced to forkover big money to big man Jalen Duren this summer. According to the league insider, some around the game believe that when he hits the restricted free agent market this offseason, he will pursue a max contract.
What would the number be, you ask? If the four-year veteran gets a max deal, it would be for around five years and $240 million. This means he would be making over $40 million per season. The current collective bargaining agreement comes with big penalties for big spenders. It is why there is a common theory that teams will look to have two max contracts at most on their payroll in the years ahead.
Jalen Duren stats: 18.3 PTS, 11.0 REB, 1.7 AST, 1.1 BLK
Top star Cade Cunningham’s max extension kicks in next season when he makes $46 million. It will increase in the following season. Giving Duren a max contract would pretty much mean that he and Cunningham will be the leaders of their roster for the foreseeable future.
He is having a breakthrough season in 2025-26. However, is it just in time for restricted free agency or the new normal of a top big man in the league? That is the risk the DET Pistons will have to think about when he hits the open market this summer.
