Pistons dumping veteran right before training camp hints at Jalen Duren expectation despite contract beef

The Detroit Pistons waived veteran guard Gary Harris on the eve of training camp, reducing their roster to 14 standard contracts. According to report details from insider Brett Siegel, the transaction opens a roster spot that could serve as a precursor to signing center Jalen Duren, who has been holding out amid unresolved contract negotiations ahead of the team's Media Day on September 28.

Detroit originally acquired Harris alongside Taurean Prince from the Milwaukee Bucks in an offseason trade involving Caris LeVert. Meanwhile, Duren is coming off an All-Star campaign where he averaged 19.5 points across 70 games, with the potential option to take a qualifying offer if extension talks stall.