While the negotiations between Jalen Duren and the Detroit Pistons remain at a standstill, the possibility of the All-Star center taking a qualifying offer emerges.
If Duren was to take a qualifying offer, he would receive $9.6 million next season and become a free agent next offseason.
"You can't take the qualifying offer coming off an All-Star season," one Western Conference front-office member told Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints.
"It's almost like a death sentence. Nobody will view you close to the player you think you are again. Giving up a nine-figure deal for the qualifying offer and risking getting hurt with no long-term security, especially as a center in today's league, would be extremely reckless and foolish."
Jalen Duren
Jalen Duren
Jalen Duren situation could drag deep into offseason
Jalen Duren remains one of the biggest unresolved names in NBA free agency, with contract negotiations between the Detroit Pistons and their All-Star center still at a standstill.
The situation could resemble last year's lengthy restricted free agency sagas involving Josh Giddey and Jonathan Kuminga. Both players remained unsigned deep into the offseason before eventually agreeing to new contracts in September and staying with their respective teams.
Duren is coming off the best season of his career, averaging 19.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 2.0 assists while shooting 65.0% from the field. The 22-year-old earned his first All-Star selection and was also named to the All-NBA Third Team, establishing himself as one of the league's top young centers.
His breakout season has strengthened his case for a major long-term contract, but for now, Detroit and Duren remain without an agreement and could be headed toward another prolonged restricted free agency standoff.