What happened: Detroit opened media day without its All-Star restricted free agent as contract talks continued. President Trajan Langdon said Duren will be a Detroit Piston and will be supported on a long-term deal or the one-year qualifying offer. Cade Cunningham addressed the absence after Duren skipped the player-organized team retreat.

Why it matters: The stance closes the door on a trade before the Thursday deadline with four contract paths for Detroit. Keeping the All-NBA center preserves the Cunningham-Duren core entering the 2026-27 season. The outcome determines Detroit's payroll structure and frontcourt stability for camp.

What to watch: Watch whether Duren returns on a new multi-year deal or the qualifying offer before full camp practices start.