INSIGHT: Pistons Beat Writer Hunter Patterson Breaks Down Jalen Duren, Ausar Thompson Extensions

Detroit Pistons weigh risky Jalen Duren contract standoff—could Ausar Thompson’s extension be next? Major offseason pivots set up Detroit for a trade deadline splash, but is internal growth enough to fuel a deep playoff push in the Eastern Conference? Host Ku Khahil and The Athletic’s Hunter Patterson break down the high-stakes negotiations involving Duren and Thompson, examine Trajan Langdon’s offseason strategy, and spotlight key roster moves like the additions of John Collins, Duncan Robinson, and Isaiah Joe. Topics include Detroit’s emphasis on optionality, the team’s belief in Ausar Thompson’s breakout potential, and why the Pistons prioritize defense over building a dominant offense. Should fans expect a blockbuster move by the trade deadline, or will the core of Cade Cunningham, Thompson, and Duren prove elite? Patterson shares an insider perspective on contract dynamics, trade rumors, and what’s next for the Pistons’ playoff ambitions. Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub   Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! OdooGreat organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.  FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COMto play Daily Dingers and make your free pick on who’s hitting a homer this MLB season.   FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.