Pistons are paying the price for dragging out Jalen Duren negotiations

PistonPowered argues that the Detroit Pistons are facing the consequences of protracted contract negotiations with Jalen Duren after the center suffered a hamstring injury. Duren was ruled out and set to be re-evaluated in two weeks after exiting Friday's win against the Miami Heat during the second quarter. Because negotiations dragged out until October 1, Duren missed team workouts during the summer.

The writer links the soft-tissue strain to Duren's disrupted offseason preparation, noting he played just two preseason contests before logging significant regular-season minutes. Detroit signed Duren to a fully guaranteed $200 million deal, and the author emphasizes that the franchise must now be careful not to rush him back.