Photo: Peter Baba

The Detroit Pistons and Jalen Duren are expected to begin serious discussions on a long-term extension that could make the young center one of the highest-paid players at his position.

According to league expectations, the two sides may eventually settle on a deal in the range of $200 million to $220 million over five years, although negotiations are believed to have started with a significant gap between the parties.

“There’s a general sense around the league, as things stand today, that negotiations likely began far apart and will eventually come to a middle ground in the ballpark of a five-year, $200 million to $220 million deal,” Hunter Patterson reported.

Such an agreement would give Duren an annual salary between roughly $40 million and $44 million.

While the 22-year-old didn’t perform at his best during the postseason, his overall body of work remains impressive.

Duren earned his first All-Star selection and was also named to the All-NBA Third Team, strengthening his case for a massive new contract.