The Detroit Pistons finally agreed to sign Jalen Duren to a four-year, $200 million extension after a prolonged standoff. Now that the dust has settled, head coach JB Bickerstaff is eager to get back to work with his star center.
In a recent SiriusXM NBA Radio appearance, Bickerstaff said he was confident that the Detroit Pistons and Duren will get it done.
May 11, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (0) reacts after a play against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half of game four in the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
“I haven’t had a doubt in my mind that he was going to come back. My responsibility is to maintain that relationship with him so that when he’s here, we can do the best to help him and do the best by the team… He wants to be a part of what our growth and success looks like here in Detroit, and he’s been a huge part of that,” Bickerstaff stated.
“So, we prepare as if he’s going to be here because that’s our plan, and the plan that the front office has in place. When he gets here, we’ll welcome him with open arms, and we’ll get to work. I know his character and the type of person he is. He’s gonna come here and be ready to go, ready to help his team,” he concluded.
May 17, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (0) in the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers during game seven of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
During the Detroit Pistons’ Media Day, Cade Cunningham voiced his sympathy for Jalen Duren throughout the protracted extension saga between him and the franchise this offseason.
“We’ve talked a lot. I was just in the same situation recently, and for me, it’s a tough situation,” Cunningham told reporters. “You don’t really have people in your life who have been through something like this. I felt that way, and JD feels that way. So, I’m someone he knows has been through this type of situation. I’m really just trying to encourage him and be there for him wherever he needs.”
“That’s my brother. On the court and off the court, we went to war together, obviously, but we’ve also had dinners together. I’ve met his family, and he’s met mine. The best thing I can do is be there for him, support him, encourage him, and not let him get too down during such a crazy time for him,” he added.
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