Jalen Duren’s contract strategy is working, whether Pistons like it or not

The Pistons have most of the leverage in their contract standoff with Jalen Duren. Duren’s camp is making good use of the leverage it does have.

Detroit has offered the All-NBA center a fully guaranteed five-year, $200 million contract. Duren has rejected it and continues to leave open the possibility of accepting his $9.6 million qualifying offer, playing one more season and becoming an unrestricted free agent next summer.

That would be an enormous financial risk. It is also the one move that could allow Duren to choose his next team.

As Luke Adams of Hoops Rumors explained during a live chat, restricted free agents have few ways to create leverage. The most effective is convincing the incumbent team that it could lose the player for nothing. Duren’s representatives have done that.

The Pistons’ offer has continued to increase, which suggests Detroit takes the threat seriously. Meanwhile, rival teams have received the impression that Duren could be ready for a change.

The Kings have reportedly indicated a willingness to offer him a maximum contract next summer. The Bucks and at least one other team also have serious interest.

Perhaps Duren genuinely wants out. Perhaps his camp simply needs Detroit to believe he does. That distinction matters emotionally. It doesn’t matter much at the negotiating table.

Duren averaged 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds last season, made his first All-Star team and earned third-team All-NBA honors. Adams noted that such a season likely would have produced a 25 percent maximum extension without much debate three or four years ago.

Teams have become more aggressive in rookie-scale negotiations. The Pistons are attempting to hold their line while Duren’s side tries to push the number beyond $200 million.

There is no clear evidence that the relationship is beyond repair. Adams wrote that it remains difficult to determine whether real animosity exists or whether this is simply business dressed up to look personal.

If it is business, Duren’s strategy is working. Detroit may still refuse to raise the offer. It may eventually entertain a sign-and-trade. Duren could also take the $200 million and make the entire standoff disappear.

But the deadline is approaching, the outside market looks real and the Pistons keep adding money. For a player with limited leverage, that is about as much leverage as anyone could create.