The Detroit Pistons are reportedly working to secure extensions for young cornerstones Jalen Duren and Jaden Ivey, according to Keith Smith of Spotrac. A front office executive told Smith the organization views both players as critical to maintaining their playoff trajectory.
“We’re not the cap-space Pistons anymore. We’re the playoff-Pistons now,” the executive said. “If we want to keep being the playoff-Pistons, we need to be really smart from here on out.” The team believes the duo’s development has positioned Detroit to contend beyond just this past season.
Duren, 21, is entering the final season of his four-year, $19.5 million rookie-scale deal. In the 2024–25 campaign, he started all 78 games, averaging 11.8 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks on an efficient 69.2% shooting. He was also a force in the playoffs, posting 10.7 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game over six starts.
Ivey, 23, is also in the last year of his rookie contract, worth $33 million over four years. Before suffering a season-ending broken fibula in January, he averaged a career-high 17.6 points on 46% shooting, including 40.9% from three, with 4.1 rebounds and 4.0 assists in 30 games.
The Pistons are optimistic that retaining both players long-term will help sustain their postseason success after earning their first playoff series win in years. The executive added, “We love the way both Jalen and Jaden have developed. Look, if we have Jaden last year, we win our first playoff series in forever. We believe that 100%.”
Detroit has shifted its strategy from hoarding salary-cap space to prioritizing internal growth and continuity. As the executive explained, the franchise is focused on “finding the right deal for us and our players” while keeping its young core intact for years to come.
