Jalen Duren’s contract standoff with the Detroit Pistons has something to do with teammate Ausar Thompson, and his twin brother, Amen.
The Detroit Pistons find themselves in a long and drawn-out saga with big man Jalen Duren. The All-Star is currently a restricted free agent.
After making it to the All-NBA Third Team last season, Duren was hoping to get a maximum contract. However, that has not materialised, and he seems unwilling to settle for any less.
According to the latest reports floating around, his stance may have something to do with Ausar and Amen, the Thompson twins.
Jalen Duren reportedly believes he’s in a higher tier than Amen and Ausar Thompson, who both got huge extensions
The Pistons signed Ausar to a 5-year, $155 million deal. The Houston Rockets gave Amen even more, signing him to a 5-year, $208 million contract.
While the twins have shown extreme promise and quality in the NBA, Duren thinks he is a better player than the two. The Athletic’s recent report shed some light on the situation.
“Detroit inking Thompson to a five-year, $155 million deal, which will begin paying him an average annual value of $31 million, added a layer to Duren’s contract negotiations,” the report states.
“As did Thompson’s twin brother Amen, who agreed to sign a five-year, $208 million contract to stay with the Houston Rockets earlier this month.
“While Amen Thompson was a Defensive Player of the Year finalist, neither Thompson twin earned an All-Star or All-NBA selection last season, while Duren got the nod on both.
“For Duren, it’s quite clear he sees his value in a higher tier than both twins considering last regular-season’s accolades.”
Duren had a stellar regular season, but was poor in the playoffs. This is something which has affected his value. If he continues to hold out, the impasse might result in him playing for a season on the qualifying offer and then signing elsewhere next summer.
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