The Detroit Pistons declined to strike rookie-scale extensions with center Jalen Duren and guard Jaden Ivey before Monday’s deadline, positioning both players for restricted free agency in the summer of 2026, The Detroit Free Press reported.
The front office will already be juggling multiple negotiations next offseason. Forward Tobias Harris is headed for unrestricted free agency because he will not become extension-eligible before hitting the open market, and 2023 lottery pick Ausar Thompson becomes eligible for his own rookie-scale extension in July. “Ausar had a great summer,” teammate Cade Cunningham said in September, predicting a breakout third year for the wing.
Thompson, who missed time last season, said his focus is on maintaining the right mindset each night. A strong 2025-26 campaign could make him the most expensive member of the trio when talks begin.
Pistons Rotation Without Ivey
With Ivey sidelined to start the season, Detroit is weighing whether two-way guard Daniss Jenkins can secure regular minutes and whether floor spacing or power-forward depth will emerge as early concerns, according to a separate Free Press report.
Giannis Focused on Legacy
Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo told the Associated Press he measures success strictly by championships, not statistics, and does not yet place himself alongside legends such as Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Wilt Chamberlain and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. “I’m not there yet,” he said. “I’ve got a lot of work to do. But I’m going to be there.”
Middleton’s Milwaukee Return
Washington Wizards forward Khris Middleton will play in Milwaukee on Wednesday for the first time since the Bucks traded him at last season’s deadline. Middleton called the matchup “emotional,” while Antetokounmpo urged Bucks fans to give his longtime teammate “the warmest welcome ever,” saying he expects Middleton to be moved to tears by a tribute video.
Details on Kam Jones Arrest
The Indianapolis Star reported that Pacers rookie guard Kam Jones told police he was late for practice when officers attempted to stop him for erratic driving on Monday. Jones allegedly failed to pull over for several minutes before realizing he was being flagged.
Source: Hoops Rumors
