Pistons' Contract Talks Stalled for Jalen Duren and Ausar Thompson

Pistons president of basketball operations Trajan Langdon told reporters Thursday that contract talks with Jalen Duren and Ausar Thompson “haven’t been” progressing. He added that future conversations are uncertain and “you will never know how those conversations go.”

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Detroit entered 2025-26 as the Eastern Conference’s top seed, then lost to the Cleveland Cavaliers in a seven-game second-round series, exposing roster gaps the front office hopes to fill via free agency.

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Duren averaged 19.5 points, 10.5 rebounds and 0.8 blocks per game in the regular season, earning All-NBA Third Team honors, but his postseason numbers fell to 10.2 points and 8.5 rebounds. The Athletic’s Hunter Patterson projected a five-year, $200-$220 million max deal; as a restricted free agent Detroit can match any offer. Thompson posted 9.9 points, 5.7 rebounds and two steals per game, securing All-Defensive First Team honors and remains under contract through next season, with an extension possible this summer or later.

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Langdon said the Pistons will not lowball Duren and warned that dragging out talks could alienate him. He cited the Phoenix Suns’ 2022 handling of Deandre Ayton and the Warriors’ 2022 treatment of Jonathan Kuminga as cautionary examples.

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Analysts note Duren’s playoff dip may curb Detroit’s willingness to offer a max contract. ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reported the Los Angeles Lakers are monitoring Duren and Utah’s Walker Kessler, adding external pressure. Critics warn that without a swift extension Detroit risks losing Duren to an offer sheet.

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• “Those will be conversations that will be had. But to be completely honest, you will never know how those conversations go,” — Trajan Langdon, President of Basketball Operations, Detroit Pistons

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• “Pistons president of basketball operations, Trajan Langdon, told reporters Thursday that contract talks with Duren and Thompson "haven't been" progressing yet.” — Trajan Langdon, Pistons (as reported)

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• “The Detroit Pistons were the number one seed in the Eastern Conference during the regular season.” — Heavy.com

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While Langdon stated negotiations “haven’t been” progressing, the same article notes that “negotiations with either player seem to be going well,” creating an internal inconsistency. No definitive timeline for contract extensions has been provided.

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Detroit can match any offer sheet Duren receives, but must decide quickly to avoid losing him. Thompson’s extension can be negotiated this summer or during the season. The Pistons also aim to add a shooter and secondary ball-handler to improve a ninth-ranked offense and contend with Eastern rivals such as the Knicks, Pacers, Celtics and Cavaliers.

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