Jalen Duren’s All-NBA Nod Is A Financial Disaster For The Pistons

BusinessSportsMoneyJalen Duren’s All-NBA Nod Is A Financial Disaster For The PistonsByBryan Toporek,Senior Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Bryan Toporek covers the NBA for Forbes Sports.Follow AuthorMay 25, 2026, 06:00am EDTCLEVELAND, OHIO - MAY 09: Jalen Duren #0 of the Detroit Pistons waits during the fourth quarter of Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena on May 09, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Pistons 116-109. 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images)Getty ImagesOn Sunday, the NBA announced its All-NBA teams for the 2025-26 season. The reveal likely left the Detroit Pistons with mixed emotions.Pistons point guard Cade Cunningham made the All-NBA first team, which came as no surprise. He finished fifth in MVP voting this year after helping guide the Pistons to an Eastern Conference-best 60-win season. The question was whether fourth-year center Jalen Duren would also make the cut.Duren wound up sneaking onto the All-NBA third team, which has major financial implications for both him and the Pistons.Had Duren not made an All-NBA team, the Pistons couldn't offer him more than 25% of the 2026-27 salary cap as the starting salary of his next contract. But since he did make an All-NBA team, the Pistons are now allowed to offer him up to 30% of the 2026-27 cap. No other team can offer him a starting salary above 25% of the cap.Based on the current $165 million cap projection, a 25% max would start at $41.25 million and be worth $177.4 million on a four-year deal with another team or $239.25 million on a five-year deal with the Pistons. A 30% max would start at $49.5 million and be worth $287.1 million in total.MORE FOR YOUIn other w...