Jalen Duren will not participate in the Detroit Pistons’ Media Day as he remains without a new contract, according to Marc Stein.
Stein reported Sunday that there had been no clear indication whether Duren would attend Monday’s Media Day, but a source close to the situation subsequently clarified that the 22-year-old center is not permitted to participate in Media Day activities under league rules without a signed contract.
The development comes amid an unresolved contract standoff between Duren and the Pistons. Shams Charania previously reported that the two sides are at an impasse, with Duren’s future in Detroit still uncertain.
Duren is a restricted free agent and has until October 1 to accept Detroit’s $9.6 million qualifying offer for the 2026-27 season. Doing so would allow him to play out the season before entering unrestricted free agency in 2027.
The Pistons have reportedly increased their offer during negotiations, with the latest proposal worth $200 million over five years. Earlier proposals were reportedly in the $180 million-to-$190 million range and included incentives.
Duren is coming off the best season of his NBA career. He averaged 19.5 points, 10.5 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 70 games during the 2025-26 regular season, while shooting 65.0% from the field.
The center also averaged 3.8 offensive rebounds per game and earned his first All-Star selection while being named to the All-NBA Third Team. He finished 11th in Defensive Player of the Year voting.
Duren played a major role in Detroit’s 60-22 regular season, which gave the Pistons the best record in the Eastern Conference. The team advanced to the second round of the playoffs before losing 4-3 to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
His production dropped during the postseason, as Duren averaged 10.2 points and 8.5 rebounds in 14 games while shooting 51.4% from the field.
The Pistons also reshaped their frontcourt during the offseason. Detroit traded Isaiah Stewart in a six-team deal that brought back John Collins, Taurean Prince and Gary Harris (who was recently waived), while the team also acquired Isaiah Joe from Oklahoma City.
