Jalen Duren, Pistons needed to stay together, even if they didn’t act like it

The New York Times argues that finalizing a five-year, $200 million contract extension between center Jalen Duren and the Detroit Pistons was the best outcome for both sides despite prolonged and tense negotiations. The 22-year-old big man joins Cade Cunningham and Ausar Thompson as core players signed to long-term deals following a 60-win regular season.

The article notes Duren will become the eighth-highest-paid center in the NBA by average annual value. Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff faces the immediate task of integrating Duren into revised offensive schemes ahead of the new season.