Although Jalen Duren was reportedly underwhelmed by the Pistons‘ initial contract offers in restricted free agency, rival teams who spoke to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype believe the 22-year-old center will ultimately remain with Detroit.

Duren, who made the All-NBA Third Team and was runner-up for Most Improved Player but is coming off a disappointing playoff showing, is believed to be seeking around $40MM per year on his new contract, Scotto writes, while opposing teams project him to sign a deal in the neighborhood of the “mid-30s annually.”

The Pistons have long held a “strong desire” to retain Duren, and star guard Cade Cunningham hopes the team keeps him, league sources tell Scotto.

Here’s more from Scotto on the Pistons:

• While head of basketball operations Trajan Langdon publicly said the team wants to re-sign veteran forward Tobias Harris, a deal has not yet been reached ahead of the start of league-wide free agency on Tuesday. Harris, who turns 34 next month, is coming off a solid postseason run and is expected to draw interest from “several” teams if he reaches the open market, per Scotto. Jake Fischer previously reported that Detroit was “determined” to bring back Harris.
• Former first-round pick Marcus Sasser is on the trading block, according to rival executives who spoke to HoopsHype. The 25-year-old guard’s role was reduced in his third season and he’s entering the final year of his rookie scale contract, which will pay him $5.2MM in 2026/27. Sasser will be on track for restricted free agency next summer if he doesn’t receive a rookie scale extension this offseason.
• After agreeing to trade for Thunder sharpshooter Isaiah Joe, the Pistons seem less inclined to pursue Norman Powell in free agency, Scotto suggests. The Pistons have also been connected to Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard, Scotto notes, but a trade for the veteran star seems unlikely because there have been “rumblings” around the league that the two-time Finals MVP wouldn’t be interested in signing a contract extension with Detroit.