TITLE: Pistons weigh extensions for Ivey and Duren while offseason spotlights Thompson’s growth
SLUG: pistons-extension-outlook-ivey-duren-thompson-2025
CONTENT:
With the Oct. 20 deadline for rookie-scale extensions approaching, the Detroit Pistons have yet to lock in guards Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren to new deals. Omari Sankofa II of the Detroit Free Press outlined several recent contracts that could shape negotiations for the two second-year standouts.
Market comps under review
Sankofa cited Josh Giddey’s four-year, $100 million agreement with the Bulls as a potential baseline. Other benchmarks include Jabari Smith Jr.’s five-year, $122 million pact, Alperen Sengun’s five-year, $185 million deal with Houston, and Trey Murphy III’s four-year, $112 million extension in New Orleans. Detroit is weighing those numbers against Ivey’s interrupted season—he missed time with a mid-season injury—and Duren’s slow start before his late-year surge.
This summer proved difficult for restricted free agents, but league-wide cap space is projected to expand in 2026. That scenario could persuade one or both players to forgo extensions and test the market next offseason.
Thompson targets full offseason reset
Hunter Patterson of The Athletic reported that rookie wing Ausar Thompson, who spent last summer recovering from a blood clot, expects a healthier offseason to boost his conditioning. Thompson’s energetic style occasionally flagged during his first NBA campaign, but a full summer program combined with confidence gained in Detroit’s first-round playoff series against New York is viewed as a springboard for year-two improvement.
Patterson highlighted the on-court chemistry between Thompson and franchise point guard Cade Cunningham, noting their complementary skills on both ends of the floor.
Team expectations rise after 30-win leap
Detroit jumped from 14 victories to 44 in 2024-25, earning the Eastern Conference’s No. 6 seed. Patterson predicts a smaller but meaningful step forward, forecasting a fourth- or fifth-place finish. He cautioned that Orlando’s acquisition of Desmond Bane could nudge the Magic ahead of Detroit in the standings.
Langdon preaches patience amid pressure
President of basketball operations Trajan Langdon told Keith Langlois of NBA.com that the franchise will stick to a deliberate build despite heightened expectations. Rather than chasing a blockbuster deal during an offseason marked by uncertainty for Indiana, Boston, Milwaukee and Philadelphia, Langdon chose marginal additions to support the core. He indicated that success this season will be measured primarily by individual and collective growth of the young roster, not solely by the win column.
Source: HoopsRumors
