​Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty ImagesFree agent center Jalen Duren will likely not feature at the Detroit Pistons’ media day for the 2026-27 NBA season despite having a qualifying offer to return to the team.Duren made an All-NBA team last season for his role in the Pistons earning the best record in the Eastern Conference by winning 60 games.However, he’s been stuck in a major contract dispute as a restricted free agent all summer, with fans expecting answers on the situation during Pistons media day on September 28.Jalen Duren’s contract standoff means he can’t appear with the Pistons until a deal is signedUnfortunately for everyone wanting to hear from Duren, the 22-year-old center will not be addressing his contract at Pistons media day because he is not even allowed to appear at media day without a signed deal, according to Marc Stein.“One source close to the process just followed up by adding that Jalen Duren’s participation in Media Day activities, per league rules, isn’t even allowed without a signed deal.”Photo by Rick Osentoski/Getty ImagesThis will mean the Pistons will be able to control the narrative around Duren’s free agency saga, as they will inevitably be asked to address it without Duren present to share his side.Duren is expected to return to the Pistons for the 2026-27 season after averaging 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds last regular season.The only question is whether Duren will return happily on a five-year deal worth $200 million or a one-year, $9.6 million qualifying offer to become an unrestricted free agent next summer.Jalen Duren’s playoff failure looms over contract talksTraditionally, a 22-year-old All-NBA player would instantly get a rookie max extension, which is why Duren’s camp is unhappy with Detroit’s treatment of the star center.However, the new second-apron era is making teams stingier with their money, lest they give out a major deal that restricts future flexibility.Duren is dependent on max-contract superstar PG Cade Cunningham for his production, and the Pistons don’t want Duren to also have a massive contract that restricts their roster-building around Cade in the future.Duren averaged 10.2 points and 8.5 rebounds in the playoffs, looking unplayable for large stretches and playing a key role in their failure to reach the Conference Finals.While he’s an elite regular-season player, Duren’s inability to be successful without a star guard feeding him the ball and his playoff lowlights will continue to worsen this situation.Read more:‘Bro ate a burger’ – NBA fans react to Chet Holmgren’s two-pound weight gain ahead of new seasonWhat Draymond Green truly thinks of JJ Redick apparently throwing LeBron James under the busEvery athlete to host Saturday Night Live including Jalen Brunson and Travis Kelce