Detroit Pistons All-Star center Jalen Duren spoke with the media for the first time since signing his new contract
Just one week ago, the Detroit Pistons held a Media Day where the first, second and third subject on everyone’s mind focused on Jalen Duren given his lengthy contract negotiation process. At the time, JD was still unsigned with an Oct. 1 deadline for the Qualifying Offer quickly approaching, but a lot has transpired over the last week.
Clearly, Duren eventually reached a five-year, $200 million agreement with the Pistons to end his restricted free agency, and the team is aiming to move forward with the pre-season fast approaching. But before Detroit starts their exhibition slate, Duren spoke with the media today in lieu of his new contract to set the record straight on a few matters.
”This process took way longer than any of us really wanted,” Duren said. “Longer than I wanted, I’m sure longer than the organization wanted, but they have a job to do, as well as my team and my agency have a job to do to make the best outcome possible for both sides. I feel like we’ve done that.”
Along those lines, Duren’s salary is set to jump up and down throughout the next five seasons in order to give the Pistons more cap flexibility once Ausar Thompson’s new deal kicks in as well, so it truly was an agreement with beneficial aspects tucked in for each side.
“The clearest message I want to convey is that I am a Detroit Piston,” Duren said. “I want to be a Detroit Piston for life. I want to give everything I’ve got for this city and the fans.“
Still, Duren was not pleased with his public perception during the contract negotiation since he hadn’t made any official statement on the matter, so the 22-year old All-Star sought to address that reality during today’s press conference.
“There’s been a lot of talk, speculation, false narratives around my name throughout the entire summer as you know, so much so that it started to even diminish my character and everything I stand for,” Duren said.
JD even reflected on how far he’d come in the NBA over the last four years after coming out of Memphis as a one-and-done prospect.
”Detroit was my first workout,” Duren said. “I had four workouts. I had one with Detroit, one with OKC, San Antonio and Portland. After my workout, I told my agent that this is where I wanted to be. This is where I felt home. This is where I felt the most comfortable.”
During the presser, Duren noted that last season contained a whirlwind of emotions for the double-double machine. On one hand, Detroit won 60 games in the regular season and obtained the top seed in the Eastern Conference, but they were also bounced from the playoffs after two rounds. Duren turned in an All-NBA Third Team performance with 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds per game prior to that point, but the big man faltered in the postseason when the lights were brightest.
Overall, those situations add context to a year that Duren said contained some of his highest and lowest moments as a professional, but he’s looking forward with a resolute mindset. The Pistons have a pair of All-Star performers locked up long-term with a Defensive Player of the Year candidate on board for even longer, so Detroit’s core is firmly set in place now that Duren has re-signed.
”I’ve always seen myself finishing my career here, leaving a legacy in an already legendary organization and city,” Duren said.
The Pistons will begin their pre-season journey tomorrow by hosting the Phoenix Suns at Little Caesars Arena for a 7 pm tip-off on Monday, Oct. 5.
