There will be leaguewide skepticism until it actually …

Barring an extension of the deadline at Detroit's discretion, Duren has until 11:59 PM ET on Thursday to do what he has been contemplating for months and sign his $9.6 million qualifying offer for the 2026-27 season with the intent to become an unrestricted free agent next summer. Is he truly willing to leave hundreds of millions of dollars on the table — with Detroit said to be offering a five-year deal worth up to $200 million — to gain much more control over his future than he has as an RFA? As we've written before: There will be leaguewide skepticism until it actually happens … even though negotiations have proven far more contentious than anyone imagined when last season ended.