Big men aren’t supposed to move like this, but Jalen Duren is rewriting the rules. Then again, the young center has been a unicorn since high school. At just 13 years old, he got Team Final’s (of the Nike EYBL circuit) program director, Rob Brown, jumping with glee.

“Right then and there, I was like we got to get in touch with his family,” he shared in a 2022 interview with The Philadelphia Inquirer. “He knew that he needed a step up onto a bigger stage. … A week or two later, he was at our practice playing with Team Final.”

But of course, it didn’t mean the rest of his journey to the NBA was a walk in the park. We’ll get back to that in a bit. And while his on-court dominance is turning heads, his contract and future earnings possibilities are just as intriguing.

What is Jalen Duren’s contract with the Detroit Pistons? How much does he make in a year?

According to Spotrac, Duren signed a four-year, $19,474,943 deal with the Detroit Pistons. The final year is a club option, meaning the team controls whether he stays. The deal guarantees him $8,454,960, securing him early in his career while allowing room for growth. With an average annual salary of $4,868,736, Duren is already earning a strong paycheck as he continues to develop his game. In the 2024-25 season, he is set to make $4,536,840, which represents approximately 3.2% of the Pistons’ total salary cap, underscoring his value within the team’s financial structure. The contract also includes a team option for the 2025-26 season, meaning Detroit holds the power to extend his deal for $5,266,563 if they choose to retain him.

The NBA is shifting. Versatile big men are earning huge contracts. If Duren expands his game beyond defense, his next deal could be massive. Players like Bam Adebayo and Jarrett Allen turned defensive potential into all-around star power and secured contracts worth over $100 million. If Duren follows that path, his earnings could skyrocket. Jalen Duren’s contract is just the beginning of what could be a highly lucrative NBA career. Detroit believes in his potential, and his marketability is only expected to grow as he continues to make an impact on the courts.

What are the Pistons star’s endorsements? Does he have a shoe deal?

In 2022, Duren secured a sneaker and apparel deal with Nike, joining a select group of 14 rookies to partner with the global brand that year. Additionally, Duren’s autograph has been featured in Panini’s “Instant Lucky Endorsements” series, highlighting his growing popularity among collectors and fans.

Which college did Duren attend?

Jalen Duren’s journey to the NBA was nothing short of spectacular. Born in Sharon Hill, Pennsylvania, Duren quickly gained national attention as one of the top high school prospects in the country. Standing at 6’10” with a 7’5” wingspan, he was a physical specimen who dominated the paint at Montverde Academy, one of the nation’s top prep basketball programs.

By the time he joined the University of Memphis, Duren was already regarded as a top-tier NBA prospect. Under head coach Penny Hardaway, he showcased his defensive instincts, shot-blocking ability, and rebounding dominance. Duren formed a strong bond with the coaching staff during his time there. He noted, “Coach Penny and Coach Larry had the same vision of my basketball game that I had.” Later, in his lone season with the Tigers, he averaged 12.0 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game, branding himself as a defensive powerhouse.

His decision to declare for the NBA Draft after just one season was met with high expectations. Duren’s ability to alter shots, control the boards, and play above the rim made him an attractive prospect for NBA teams looking for a modern-day center. And Detroit wasted no time in securing him as part of their rebuilding core.

From the moment he stepped onto the court for the Detroit Pistons, he has been a force, grabbing rebounds over seasoned veterans, finishing alley-oops with authority, and defending the rim like a player well beyond his years. In fact, at just 18, he became one of the league’s youngest players to record a double-double.

Despite the Pistons’ struggles this season, Duren’s development has been a major bright spot, showcasing his potential to become one of the league’s top young big men. “It was me knowing myself, gotta pick it up if we want to do what we want to do,” he said. “Holding myself accountable and knowing how I can affect the game and coming in there and trying to do that every night,” he said, reflecting on his approach to the game.

Duren exploded for a career-high 35 points, dominating inside while also grabbing 15 rebounds and dishing out 3 assists. It was the kind of statement game that showcased his growing offensive skill set and his ability to impact both ends of the floor.

The Pistons’ future depends on Jalen Duren’s defensive dominance. His presence in the paint allows young stars Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey to develop their offensive games. Detroit’s rebuild needs a balance of offense and defense, and Duren provides that foundation. But will he elevate his game to an All-Star level and secure a massive contract extension in the future? Only time will tell, but all signs point to a bright future for Piston’s rising star.