NBA Notes: Pistons, Jalen Duren, Hornets, Coby White, Timberwolves

Pistons

Pistons center Jalen Duren still appears headed for a massive payday. Maybe just not quite as massive as it once looked.

According to ESPN’s Bobby Marks, a fair deal for Duren now projects closer to five years and $180 million rather than the full-blown max extension some expected before the playoffs began.

Frankly, the regular season made a max feel realistic.

Duren became a first-time All-Star after averaging a career-high 19.5 points while emerging as one of the NBA’s most dominant interior scorers. Marks noted Duren trailed only Giannis Antetokounmpo and Zion Williamson in points in the paint, while Detroit outscored opponents by 12.2 points per 100 possessions when he was on the floor.

At one point, Duren even entered the All-NBA conversation. Then came the postseason.

Duren averaged just 10.2 points during Detroit’s playoff run, one of the largest scoring drops ever by an All-Star entering the postseason, according to ESPN Research. In the Game 5 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers, he finished minus-16 and sat the entire fourth quarter and overtime.

Still, the Pistons clearly remain committed long term.

“We look forward to coming together with his representative and getting a deal done,” president Trajan Langdon said.

Hornets

Hornets guard Coby White may have quietly become one of the better value pickups from last season’s trade deadline.

Marks projected a three-year, $54 million contract for White after the former Bulls guard played well following his move to Charlotte.

In 21 games off the bench, White averaged 15.6 points while shooting better than 39 percent from three-point range. He also delivered in the postseason, scoring 19 points and knocking down five threes in Charlotte’s play-in victory over the Miami Heat.

The Hornets hold White’s Bird rights after acquiring him in February, meaning they can exceed the cap to keep him.

Detroit also has been mentioned as a possible outside suitor if White reaches the open market.

Timberwolves

Timberwolves guard Ayo Dosunmu suddenly looks like one of the organization’s biggest offseason priorities.

After losing Nickeil Alexander-Walker last summer, Minnesota appears determined not to let another valuable rotation guard walk away.

“Ayo’s our most important free agent,” Wolves president Tim Connelly said.

It’s easy to understand why.

Acquired from Chicago at the trade deadline, Dosunmu averaged 14.4 points while shooting 52.1 percent from the field and 41.4 percent from three across 24 regular-season games with Minnesota. He then delivered the two highest-scoring bench playoff games in franchise history.

Marks projected a three-year, $51 million contract for Dosunmu despite Minnesota already operating above the luxury tax and first apron.

Donte DiVincenzo’s Achilles injury only increases the urgency to keep him around.