Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren are riding high on the success of the Detroit Pistons this 2025-26 season and deservedly so. Recently selected to play in the 2026 All-Star Game, the Pistons, for the first time in 20 years, had two representatives at the annual event.
The pick-and-roll tandem's on-court success is also a result of their friendship off the court. A prime example is Cunningham and Duren taking trips together during the summer. The off-grid week in Colorado was one such vacation, featuring activities such as hiking and fishing.
The two teammates followed up the Colorado visit with a two-week international trip to Rome. Enjoying their time as tourists, the two appear to have made a pact to spend at least a few weeks of the off-season together. The results of which are indeed showing on the court.
Amid all the success and fame, Cade and Jalen have been struggling in their respective love lives, and they even shared a recent laugh about it. The Pistons recently posted a Q&A clip on their social media account, asking Cunningham to describe his love life in basketball terms.
"Mine is a shot-clock violation," said the 24-year-old, adding other attributes like "airball" and "double dribble" to it. Standing next to Cunningham, Duren faced a similar scenario.
"We need to find some candidates for double dates," they joked.
One can imagine the grueling 82-game NBA season keeping Cade and Jalen on their toes. It has gotten to the point where their dating lives seem to be taking a hit as well.
"Our love lives ain't going that good … We can find some candidates, can we … Let's turn it up a little bit. We need to find some candidates," said Cunningham, pointing toward the camera.
"Spice it up a little, put in the comments," chimed in Jalen, with Cade asking users to tag them and find them double dates.
That said, the double dates may need to wait for a bit as we enter the business end of the season after the All-Star break. The Pistons are in the midst of a breakthrough season after a while.
While it may seem surprising to many, the Pistons did show signs of something special in the making during the 2025 playoffs. Nonetheless, they lost to the New York Knicks in the first round. Regardless, they continued to build, and the results are for everyone to see this season.
Currently, the No. 1 seed in the East, Coach J. B. Bickerstaff, has turned the fortunes around for the Motor City. Not to mention, Cunningham is in the race for league MVP. The Pistons point guard is currently averaging 25.3 points, 9.6 assists and 5.6 rebounds on 46 percent shooting.
On the other hand, Duren is having a career year, averaging a double-double on 63 percent shooting from the field. He is also making a strong case for the 2026 Most Improved Player of the Year. Hence, looking to make history this season with the Pistons, Cade and Jalen can wait it out till June when it comes to spicing up their romantic lives.
This story was originally published by Basketball Network on Feb 18, 2026, where it first appeared in the Off The Court section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
