The Detroit Pistons are still negotiating with star Jalen Duren, but Ausar Thompson's new contract gifts them the perfect scenario. Thompson signed for less than many expected, and as CBS Sports' Sam Quinn points out, that could pave the way for the Pistons to re-sign Duren.
So Ausar Thompson's new deal starts just above 15% of the cap. If Jalen Duren signs for 5x190, he'll start just below 20%. Together, they basically function as one, supermax, 35% contract.
— Sam Quinn (@SamQuinnCBS) September 19, 2026
Would you rather have Thompson and Duren, or Devin Booker? Donovan Mitchell? Jaylen Brown?
He mentions that they could offer him a 5-year, $190 million deal with him earning $38 million on average. In doing so, they'd be paying both him and Thompson the equivalent of one max salary slot.
Getting two members of their core under contract for 5 years for the cost of one max salary would be an absolute steal for the Pistons.
The Pistons are on the right track in Jalen Duren contract negotiations
Remember, teams such as the Oklahoma City Thunder are currently paying their big three far more. In fact, Oklahoma City is paying Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren a combined 80% of the salary cap over the next three seasons.
However, if the Pistons can pull this off, they'd be paying Cade Cunningham, Duren, and Thompson a combined 60% of the salary cap. That would ensure they could build a sustained contender without breaking the bank.
It would also justify their decision to play hardball with Duren and possibly risk alienating him. It will ultimately be up to him whether he decides to take a potential $190 million deal or take the one-year, $9.3 million qualifying offer.
That would allow him to hit unrestricted free agency after next season but comes with the risk that he'd be turning down a massive payday.
So if Shams is saying the Pistons offer is 5/200M for Duren and he’s not taking it, that’s not definitely a financial decision from Duren given that taking the Qualifying Offer plus a max next summer is less money than that. (Believe that’s 5/197M). pic.twitter.com/ZAplWKQKuj
— Sam Vecenie (@Sam_Vecenie) September 21, 2026
The Pistons are setting themselves up for success
I have doubts that Duren would sign the qualifying offer and pass up $190 million, but stranger things have happened. Assuming he comes to his senses, the Pistons could be well positioned to dominate the East for years to come.
Having their three best players locked up on an affordable number would allow them to properly build around them. Given that the Boston Celtics couldn't afford to keep Jaylen Brown, it can't be understated how important that would be for Detroit.
With Thompson now under contract, the last piece of the puzzle is locking up Duren. But if they are indeed offering him around $190 million, they are forcing him to choose between a one-year $9.3 million deal and a massive contract. That should be a no-brainer to most.
Add us as a preferred source on Google