Detroit Pistons welcoming Jalen Duren back 'regardless of his decision' with contract

One topic hung like a cloud over the Detroit Pistons' media day on Monday, Sept. 28 – Jalen Duren's ongoing restricted free agency standoff. Team president Trajan Langdon immediately addressed the elephant in the room during his press conference at Little Caesars Arena, noting that while they don't

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One topic hung like a cloud over the Detroit Pistons' media day on Monday, Sept. 28 – Jalen Duren's ongoing restricted free agency standoff.

Team president Trajan Langdon immediately addressed the elephant in the room during his press conference at Little Caesars Arena, noting that while they don't know what Duren will ultimately decide, they look forward to welcoming him back. The deadline for Duren to accept the one-year, $9.6 million qualifying offer is Thursday, Oct. 1.

"As you guys know, we have not come to an agreement with Jalen Duren to this point," Langdon said. "He has until Thursday to make a decision, and we will be excited to have him in regardless of what decision he does make. He was a huge reason for our success these last two

seasons. Had a tremendous season individually last year, as well. We believe he will do the same thing this year upcoming and are excited to have him back when he gets back. We’ll integrate him and he’s going to have a fantastic season regardless of his decision. We look forward to getting him back."

Detroit Pistons president of basketball operations Trajan Langdon speaks to media members during media day at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Monday, Sept. 28, 2026.

Duren, 22, is eligible for a five-year contract worth up to $287 million. The Pistons have offered a guaranteed five-year, $200 million contract, which hasn't been enough to coax Duren into signing. Training camp opens on Tuesday, and preseason tips off at home on Oct. 5 against the Phoenix Suns.

The Pistons haven't yet considered sign-and-trade options and intend for Duren to be in uniform next season regardless of if it's a one-year or multi-year contract.

"Regardless of what his decision is, what we can control is the way that we welcome him in when he makes that decision," Langdon said. "He is going to be a huge part of the team regardless of what decision he does make. He will be a Detroit Piston and we’ll do everything we can to support him and get the best version of him, which is what we’ve done the past two years, and that will not change. Those are things that we can control. The decision is not one we can control."

Duren's contract standoff has become the dominant storyline during training camp, as NBA rules prohibit Duren from attending until he signs. He's the highest-profile player in the league to remain unsigned, this after making All-NBA third team last season and helping to power the Pistons to their third 60-win season in franchise history. The team will navigate his absence while trying to hit the ground running and build off a disappointing Game 7 playoff exit in the second round to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

"I have not spoken to the young man all summer, so I don’t know how that is," Langdon said. "For me, I’m not going to hold anything against him. I’ll be very happy to have him back, I’ll be excited. He’s been a huge part of our success and he’ll continue to be a huge part of that going forward. I can't control the different things that he does or his group does. For me, it’s controlling what we can so when he is back, it’s bringing him in and letting him know he is a big part."

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