Jalen Duren had a borderline All-NBA season for the Detroit Pistons before disappearing in the playoffs, likely costing himself some money in the process. But Detroit's loss — and Duren's vanishing act — may turn out to be the Bulls’ gain.
Duren averaged 19.5 points, 10.5 rebounds and 2.0 assists while shooting 65.0 percent from the field in a breakout 2025-26 campaign.
But the playoffs were an entirely different story.
In 14 games, those numbers dropped to 10.2 points, 8.5 rebounds and 51.4 percent shooting. He was benched for the fourth quarter and overtime of a Game 5 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. In a win-or-go-home Game 7, he scored seven points, committed five fouls and turned the ball over three times
Not exactly what a championship contender is hoping for in a franchise center. But the Bulls should be elated.
Jalen Duren’s playoff flop was perfect for Bulls
Duren has some significant flaws — he can’t space the floor or guard on the perimeter, he’s prone to defensive lapses and his hands can turn to stone at the most inopportune times. But the Bulls shouldn’t be so concerned about those issues.
The 13th pick of the 2022 draft has become one of the NBA’s most dominant big men at just 22 years old.
Duren will be a restricted free agent this summer, meaning the Bulls could offer him a four-year, $177 million contract that Detroit could match to keep him in the Motor City, if they so choose. But the Pistons are built to win now — would they hand over that much long-term money to a center who just proved his game isn’t ready for playoff basketball?
The Bulls, on the other hand, are currently in the business of acquiring and developing young talent. They have the time and patience to let Duren work on his outside shot. To let him master defensive coverages. To become a better player without the pressure of the postseason.
He’s come so far in just three seasons; how much more dominant could he be in three more?
The Bulls should be in the market for free agents like Jalen Duren
The restricted free agent market can be tricky. Chicago went down this road with Josh Giddey last summer before eventually signing him to a four-year, $100 million contract — not a bad deal for a starting-caliber point guard.
In addition to a pair of top-15 picks, new executive VP of basketball operations Bryson Graham will have $55 million of cap space at his disposal this offseason. It’s slim pickings as far as unrestricted free agents go, but the Bulls should be taking a hard look at the RFA market.
Duren is one name Graham should be intrigued by. Peyton Watson, who took a leap with the Denver Nuggets this past season, is another. Utah center Walker Kessler is one of the league’s best shot-blockers at age 24, and the Jazz have Lauri Markkanen and Jaren Jackson Jr. already set as long-term pieces of their front court.
Spending money just because you have it is a franchise-killing move. But spending wisely on an ascending player who fits your scheme, culture and timeline like Duren can provide a massive boost.
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