Duren extension talks with Pistons turning tense

Contract talks between the Pistons and restricted free agent Jalen Duren have gotten "awfully nasty," ESPN's Tim MacMahon said on Brian Windhorst's podcast, with the two sides at an impasse and no new deal agreed.

Detroit has offered a five-year extension, but Duren is reportedly seeking more than $40 million per year, according to MacMahon.

In Cleveland, Chris Fedor said on the Wine and Gold Podcast that the Cavaliers plan to waive and stretch Cam Whitmore, acquired in this week's five-team trade alongside Peyton Watson, rather than carry his $5.5 million salary for 2026-27.

The same roundup notes James Harden's new three-year, $97 million deal with Cleveland includes a third-year player option and a trade kicker after he declined a $42.3 million option.

$175M · 5yr

+ 7 reports from 6 outlets

Heavy · 1 Sept 2026Duren-Pistons gap pegged at $37-38M AAV by cap analyst

Fadeaway World · 1 Sept 2026Duren wants $40M+ a year, Pistons' offer tops out near $35M

Yahoo Sports · 1 Sept 2026Duren, Pistons still $5M apart annually on extension talks

Hoops Rumors · 1 Sept 2026Pistons offering Duren $35M a year, but he wants over $40M

Sportando · 1 Sept 2026Duren wants $40M-plus annually as Pistons talks stall

Yahoo Sports · 21 Aug 2026Report: Duren extension talks with Pistons turning tense

The Athletic · 20 Aug 2026Hollinger sees Duren-Pistons deal getting done, just not the price

Jalen Duren

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Jalen Duren said he's relieved to be back with Detroit after negotiations that at times looked shaky. He called the city home and expressed excitement about staying put.

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ESPN's Shams Charania reports Jalen Duren faces three choices before his qualifying offer deadline: sign a five-year, $200 million deal, take a one-year $9.6 million qualifying offer, or do nothing and stay a restricted free agent holdout.