The Detroit Pistons privately raised concerns about Jalen Duren's weight following the team's Game 7 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second round of the playoffs. The revelation adds new context to already tense contract negotiations between Duren and the team as they navigate his restricted free agency.

The organization internally believed Duren's weight was partly to blame for his struggles during the 2026 postseason and wanted him to slim down at the time. Duren and his camp were reportedly surprised to learn that perception existed within the organization.

Duren, listed at 6-foot-10 and 250 pounds since his 2022 pre-draft process, has not been publicly known to struggle with his weight throughout his career.

"(He) looks like a Greek statue," said one league source.

Duren has remained durable since entering the league, appearing in at least 61 games in each of his four seasons and playing 70 games last year while ranking third on the team in total minutes. That track record stands in contrast to the internal concerns reportedly raised by the Pistons following the playoff exit.

Duren is now reportedly weighing whether to sign a one-year, $9.6 million qualifying offer before the Oct. 1 deadline, a move that would make him an unrestricted free agent next summer. The Pistons' current offer to Duren, a five-year deal worth $200 million, includes a weight clause requiring monthly checks.

With Detroit's preseason opener set for Oct. 5 against the Phoenix Suns, Duren's attendance at media day and training camp next week remains uncertain if the two sides don't make progress in the coming days.