Sat Oct 25 01:20:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the text followed by a news article version:

Summary:

Neither Jaden Ivey nor Jalen Duren, the Detroit Pistons’ 2022 lottery picks, signed rookie scale contract extensions by the deadline. This means they are set to become restricted free agents in 2026. Reports suggest that contract talks were stagnant. Ivey’s recent injury history and Duren’s desire for a significant payday (potentially over $30 million annually) are likely factors. Both players are valued by the Pistons, but they now have the opportunity to prove their worth and potentially earn more in the free-agent market next summer.

News Article:

Pistons’ Ivey, Duren Forego Rookie Extensions, Set to Test Free Agency in 2026

Detroit — The Detroit Pistons will enter the 2025-26 season without having locked up two of their key young players, Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren, to rookie contract extensions. The deadline passed on Monday without a deal for either player, setting the stage for them to enter restricted free agency in 2026.

A source familiar with the Pistons’ front office decisions, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the lack of agreements.

Both Ivey, the fifth overall pick, and Duren, selected 13th overall in the 2022 NBA draft, are considered important pieces of the Pistons’ future. However, negotiations reportedly stalled leading up to the deadline, with both sides seemingly willing to gamble on the future.

Ivey, despite showing promise with a 17.6 points-per-game average last season, was limited to just 30 games due to a broken fibula. He recently underwent arthroscopic knee surgery, further delaying his return. This injury history likely played a role in the Pistons’ decision to hold off on a long-term commitment at this time.

Duren has shown a great deal of growth. He averaged 11.8 points, 10.3 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.1 blocks in 78 regular-season games. Reports indicate he is seeking a contract that would place him among the highest-paid centers in the league, potentially exceeding $30 million annually.

“We’re excited they’re both members of the Pistons,” said second-year Pistons president of basketball operations Trajan Langdon. “They’re gonna have huge roles this year and both of them, the way they play will impact our success or not.”

The Pistons open their 2025-26 season Wednesday against the Chicago Bulls.

The decision not to extend Ivey and Duren mirrors a league-wide trend, with a number of other 2022 first-round picks also failing to secure extensions before the deadline. The Pistons now face the prospect of navigating restricted free agency with both players in 2026. If they extend a qualifying offer, they will have the right to match any offer made by other teams. But if the Pistons do not extend qualifying offers, the players will enter free agency unrestricted.

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