Toronto Raptors fans have reason to be angry when looking at the results for the All-NBA Teams. Scottie Barnes, the Raptors’ best player, was left off all three teams. The most frustrating selection for Toronto fans may have been Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren.
Duren had a phenomenal year, and he was deserving of recognition. However, his selection over Barnes is where Raptors fans have a real argument. Barnes had more responsibility, carried a larger offensive burden and was the centerpiece of a playoff team.
That does not make Duren’s selection meaningless, though. In fact, it could become incredibly important for both Detroit and Toronto. With the selection, Duren became eligible for a supermax extension worth five years, $287.1 million.
That is a massive number for any team to commit to. Duren will almost certainly want the Pistons to offer him that contract. If Detroit does, he would have every reason to sign it without thinking twice. But what happens if that number is too rich for the Pistons?
Jalen Duren’s All-NBA nod could impact his contract asking price
NBA players are not exactly known for happily accepting perceived pay cuts. If the Pistons are unwilling to offer Duren the full supermax, it could create an uncomfortable negotiation. That does not guarantee he will leave Detroit, but it could at least open the door for other teams to get involved. The Raptors should be one of those teams.
Toronto needs a quality starting center. Jakob Poeltl has been useful in stretches, but his limitations are clear and he may not be the long-term answer at the position. Collin Murray-Boyles does not have enough size to be the full-time center of the future. At 22 years old, Duren would be a fascinating long-term fit in Toronto.
The challenge, of course, is that Duren is a restricted free agent. Detroit would have the opportunity to match any offer he receives. To have any real chance of pulling him away, Toronto would need to offer a contract large enough to make the Pistons uncomfortable.
The Raptors should be watching Duren closely
Duren would immediately address the Raptors’ rebounding issues, give them another top-tier athlete in the frontcourt and create an exciting young trio with Barnes and Murray-Boyles.
It is still very possible that Duren understands Detroit is not willing to offer the supermax and chooses to negotiate a smaller deal to stay with the Pistons. If he truly wants to remain in Detroit, it would be nearly impossible for Toronto to acquire him.
Still, his All-NBA selection changes the conversation. It raises his price and complicates Detroit’s negotiation. What looked like a frustrating All-NBA result for Barnes could end up creating an unexpected opportunity for Toronto.
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