Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren Set to Become 2026 Free Agents as Rookie Extension Deadline Expires
Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren, both pivotal players for the Detroit Pistons, missed the deadline for rookie contract extensions. This decision places them on a path toward restricted free agency in 2026 unless the team issues a qualifying offer prior to that season.
Rookie Extension Deadline Missed
The deadline for rookie scale contract extensions passed without agreements for either player. Sources familiar with the situation, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the news as the Pistons have not publicly commented. As a result, Ivey, the No. 5 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, and Duren, the No. 13 pick, will examine their options in the summer market of 2026.
Future Prospects
Should the Pistons choose to make qualifying offers, they will have the opportunity to match any external offers from other teams. However, if no offers are made, Ivey and Duren would become unrestricted free agents. Recent reports indicated stagnant discussions regarding contract terms leading up to the deadline.
Player Performance and Impact
- Jaden Ivey: In the 2024-25 season, Ivey averaged 17.6 points per game with shooting percentages of 46% overall and 40.9% from three-point range. However, his season was interrupted due to a broken left fibula and subsequent knee surgery, limiting him to just 30 games.
- Jalen Duren: Duren showed significant improvement, averaging 11.8 points, 10.3 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.1 blocks over 78 games. His defense notably improved, becoming more decisive at the rim during the playoffs.
Organizational Perspective
Trajan Langdon, the Pistons’ president of basketball operations, affirmed the organization’s commitment to both players, stating they are highly valued. He emphasized their importance for the upcoming season and hinted at their potential influence on the team’s success.
Upcoming Season Schedule
The Pistons are set to begin their 2025-26 regular season on Wednesday against the Chicago Bulls, with additional games scheduled against the Houston Rockets and Boston Celtics over the following days.
Comparison with Other 2022 Draft Picks
While Ivey and Duren consider their futures, nine players from the 2022 rookie class have secured contract extensions before the deadline. These include:
| Player | Team | Contract Terms |
|---|---|---|
| Paolo Banchero | Magic | 5 years, $239 million |
| Chet Holmgren | Thunder | 5 years, $240 million |
| Jabari Smith Jr. | Rockets | 5 years, $122 million |
| Keegan Murray | Kings | 5 years, $140 million |
| Shaedon Sharpe | Trail Blazers | 4 years, $90 million |
| Dyson Daniels | Hawks | 4 years, $100 million |
| Jalen Williams | Thunder | 5 years, $287 million |
| Christian Braun | Nuggets | 5 years, $125 million |
| Nikola Jović | Heat | 4 years, $62.4 million |
As fans and analysts monitor their progress, Ivey and Duren’s upcoming seasons will be critical as they aim to secure favorable contracts in the future.
