Honestly, we’re not entirely sure what goes through Jalen Duren’s mind. Or his agent’s. Or his colossal ego…
According to confirmation by journalist Shams Charania, the center would have rejected the Pistons’ latest offer, a five-year deal worth $200 million.
The Motor Town franchise reportedly raised the annual salary from $35 million to $40 million, but even so, the offer remains short of a maximum salary of $287 million.
«In this moment both sides are at a standstill. There is a lot of uncertainty about whether he’ll be at Media Day… Throughout this preseason the Pistons’ offer has hovered around $180 to $190 million. And from what I understand, the contract included clauses like weight monitoring, etc. Although the matter had quieted in recent weeks, negotiations have resumed and they’ve offered up to $200 million», highlighted Shams.
The curious thing is that if Duren signs this year for the qualifying offer, and next summer signs a maximum contract with another franchise, his total earnings would be $198.98 million over five years, exactly the same as what they’re offering.
Duren comes off his best season in the NBA, being named an All-Star and part of the Third Team of the NBA, though his performance tailed off in the playoffs.
- Regular Season: 19.5 points, 10.5 rebounds and 2 assists per game.
- Playoffs: 10.2 points, 8.5 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game.
Above the Thompson Twins
Apparently the renewal of the Thompson twins has impacted Jalen Duren’s future, as he believes he belongs to a higher tier.
Amen Thompson has renewed with the Rockets for 5 years and $208 million, while his brother Ausar has agreed to 5 years and $155 million.
«The fact that Ausar Thompson signed for 155 million has added new nuances to the negotiations. And the same has happened with his brother, who agreed to 208 million. While Amen Thompson was a finalist for Defensive Player of the Year, none of the twins was an All-Star or selected to the Year’s Best Teams, honors that Duren did receive. For Duren his value is situated above them, taking into account the recognitions obtained in the past season», pointed The Athletic.
