Pistons' Jalen Duren Might Be Costing Himself Millions In The 2026 NBA Playoffs

BusinessSportsMoneyPistons' Jalen Duren Might Be Costing Himself Millions In The 2026 NBA PlayoffsByBryan Toporek,Senior Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Bryan Toporek covers the NBA for Forbes Sports.Follow AuthorApr 28, 2026, 11:47am EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.ORLANDO, FL - APRIL 25: Jalen Duren #0 of the Detroit Pistons drives to the basket while being defended by Wendell Carter Jr. #34 of the Orlando Magic during the first half of game three of the first round of the Eastern Conference Playoffs at the Kia Center on April 25, 2026 in Orlando, Florida. The Magic defeated the Pistons 113 to 105. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)Getty ImagesA month ago, it seemed as though Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren might backdoor his way into a max contract starting at 30% percent of the salary cap in the 2026-27.After how he's fared against the Orlando Magic in the first round of the 2026 NBA playoffs, he might be lucky to get a 25% max at this rate.During the regular season, Duren averaged a career-high 19.5 points to go with 10.5 rebounds and 0.8 blocks in only 28.2 minutes per game. He also shot 65.0% from the field and earned his first All-Star nod.The Magic have made that version of Duren disappear all series. Duren has scored no more than 12 points in any of the first four games against Orlando. After racking up 41 double-doubles in his 70 regular-season appearances, he hasn't topped nine rebounds in any of the first four games of this series, either. Duren did have five blocks in Game 3, but it wasn't enough to spare the Pistons from falling into a 2-1 series hole.On Monday, the Pistons had a chance to wrest home-...