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Short list of NBA centers should terrify the Pistons when it comes to Jalen Duren

Jalen Duren wants to be paid like something he's not.

Published: Tuesday, 29 September 2026 at 1:00 PM
Short list of NBA centers should terrify the Pistons when it comes to Jalen Duren
Key Things to Know
  • Aaron Kellerstrass argues that paying Jalen Duren elite center money poses high financial risk for the Detroit Pistons.
  • The Detroit Pistons reportedly offered center Jalen Duren a five-year contract extension worth $200 million.
  • The proposed deal would place Duren among centers earning more than $35 million annually.
The Story in 60 Seconds

The writer argues that offering Jalen Duren a reported five-year, $200 million contract extension carries significant financial risk for the Detroit Pistons. Entering that salary tier would place Duren among the league's highest-paid centers earning over $35 million annually, a group largely consisting of established superstars, champions, and award winners like Nikola Jokic and Joel Embiid.

PistonPowered notes that traditional centers present heavy risks regarding scheme adaptability and injuries. The outlet contends that many large center contracts have become burdensome assets across the NBA, suggesting Detroit should exercise extreme caution before committing elite-tier money to an unproven core contributor.

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