Report: Detroit Pistons Unlikely To Sign Jalen Duren And Jaden Ivey To Contract Extensions

The Detroit Pistons were a surprise package in last season’s NBA playoffs. Taking the New York Knicks to six games, this young squad captured the hearts of a Motor City fanbase that had little to cheer for over the past few seasons.

Heading into the 2025–26 campaign, the Pistons might be seeing the last of two young studs who will reportedly be headed elsewhere in the not-so-distant future. According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, both Jalen Duren and Jaden Ivey are unlikely to be signed by the Pistons to contract extensions. In Stein’s words, these two youngsters have not “generated much momentum” in their respective negotiations.

Fischer had some specific insight into the situation of Ivey, who missed 49 games last season due to a left fibula injury.

“The sudden announcement this week that Ivey needed a surgical procedure to alleviate discomfort in his right knee isn't expected to require a significant recovery period, but it certainly doesn't make negotiations any easier for the Pistons, who might understandably elect to be cautious,” Fischer wrote.

Ivey, who was selected fifth overall in the 2022 NBA Draft, will reportedly miss the first four weeks of this season after undergoing a procedure on his right knee. By this point, the tally of missed games (both real and projected) is working against the 23-year-old in terms of leverage in contract talks. 

Meanwhile, his fellow 2022 lottery pick Duren was able to shake off injury concerns at the beginning of his NBA career, going on to average a double-double in each of his previous two seasons. However, the Pistons have reportedly been looking for more versatility in the frontcourt, and Duren’s lack of perimeter shooting could be hindering the team from viewing him as a long-term piece.

Of course, the timing of this report is crucial, as both Ivey and Duren can now come to realize that the 2025–26 season will be make-or-break for them contract-wise. If either of these young players can put up impressive numbers and significantly contribute to Detroit’s winning ways, the front office may have no choice but to reconsider their extensions.