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WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 17: Jalen Duren #0 of the Detroit Pistons controls the ball against the Washington Wizards during the second half at Capital One Arena on March 17, 2026 in Washington, DC.

During a Game 4 battle on the road, the Detroit Pistons struggled throughout the afternoon against the Orlando Magic. One of their glaring weaknesses has been the front court, which is headlined by the All-Star Jalen Duren.

Throughout the 2025-2026 NBA season, Duren looked like one of the NBA’s top centers. It was great timing, considering he has a free agency period looming.

Before the start of the new basketball year, Duren and the Pistons didn’t agree to new terms on a deal. Although both parties have expressed interest in sticking together, they avoided a deal before Duren’s deadline.

Going into the playoffs, Duren’s stock was surely up.

The veteran center checked in for 70 games, seeing the court for 28.2 minutes per game. The star center averaged 19.5 points, while making 65.0% of his shots from the field.

During averaged a double-double with 10.5 rebounds per game, and dished out 2.0 assists per game.

For the first time in his career, Duren was named an All-Star. He could end up with All-NBA honors as well.

While the regular season helped Duren’s fight for a big extension, his playoff run is quickly hurting his value.

As Game 3 between the Pistons and the Magic played out, Duren struggled in the critical road matchup. Fans took to social media to begin questioning his status as a true max contract player.

NBA World Questions Jalen Duren’s True Value For The Pistons

GettyDETROIT, MICHIGAN – NOVEMBER 17: Jalen Duren #0 of the Detroit Pistons reacts after he dunks in the first half against the Indiana Pacers at Little Caesars Arena on November 17, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Rick Osentoski/Getty Images)

Here’s how fans are reacting on X:

SixringsofsteeI: It’s going to be hard to justify that Jalen Duren max rookie extension after watching this series

ClappedColling: Detroit gives Duren a max contract extension and their franchise is finished

DOC323123: Detroit gonna give Duren the max but if he doesn’t pick it up they gonna be side eyeing him the whole time lol

BrosephSZN: Detroit might lose this game or even the series but they have won the war cause if they pay Jalen Duren it is a franchise crippling move

AdultnamedRob: I hope Duren doesn’t think he’s getting a max contract in Detroit

GoBlue_Tacos: With every passing quarter, Jalen Duren is costing himself money on his contract extension. He has allowed himself to be completely schemed out of this series thus far by the Magic.

HoopsTalk13: Duren has lost himself $50,000,000+ this series so far lol

Jalen Duren Is Struggling In The NBA Playoffs

GettyDETROIT, MICHIGAN – JANUARY 16: Jalen Duren #0 of the Detroit Pistons looks on while playing the Indiana Pacers at Little Caesars Arena on January 16, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. 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. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

Since the playoffs tipped off, Duren has put together his most underwhelming stretch of the season.

In Game 1, Duren checked in for 32 minutes on the court. The veteran center shot 3-4 from the field to score eight points. He came down with seven rebounds and blocked one shot.

For Game 2, Duren played in 31 minutes. The veteran center shot 4-10 from the field, contributing to just 11 points. He was one rebound shy of a double-double.

By the end of Game 3 loss against the Magic, Duren finished with 27 minutes of action. The veteran center went 3-10 from the field, scoring just eight points. He was the only started with under 10 points. While Duren totaled five blocks and nine rebounds, his struggles overshadowed everything about his game in the disappointing 113-105 loss.

The Pistons are now trailing the No. 8 Magic in the series 2-1.