Detroit — Jalen Duren and Jaden Ivey will start the season without rookie contract extensions.
The Pistons and the respective parties of Duren and Ivey did not reach agreement on rookie extensions before the league’s deadline on Monday, a source familiar with the discussions confirmed to The Detroit News.
Without extensions, both Duren and Ivey will become restricted free agents next summer.
“The hardest part of all of these jobs is the business of basketball,” coach J.B. Bickerstaff said. “It takes emotions. It makes it tough on relationships. People have their representation to try and be the in between, but the business of basketball is tough.”
The Pistons will have the right to match any offer both players receive from other teams. By owning their Bird Rights, the Pistons would also have the ability to fit Duren and Ivey into their payroll regardless of the price.
“We give guys an opportunity. Our responsibilities as coaches are for them to get as much as they possibly can,” Bickerstaff said. “These guys are lucky and blessed to become one of about 5,000 players ever to play this game. Our responsibility is to them, and to help them get as much as they can.”
Duren, whom the Pistons acquired in a draft-day trade in June 2022, is still early in his development, despite occasionally showing All-Star-caliber talent. In 206 career games, Duren has averaged a double-double with 11.5 points and 10.2 rebounds, but the former Memphis prospect has shown more to be desired on the defensive end.
The Charlotte Hornets originally drafted Duren with the No. 13 pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. The Pistons selected Ivey with the No. 5 pick in the same class, but despite being a more promising player, the former Purdue prospect faces a dilemma.
Injuries have halted Ivey’s career, which began after he sustained a broken left fibula in January. Ivey was on track to return for Detroit’s regular-season opener against the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday, but an arthroscopic procedure on his right knee has sidelined him for the foreseeable future. He will be reevaluated in four weeks.
Ivey has played in 181 career games for the Pistons, averaging 16.1 points on 42.9% shooting from the field (35.2% on 3-point shooting), 4.4 assists and 3.7 rebounds. As a veteran coach, Bickerstaff understands the frustration that can come when a player falls short of landing an extension.
“Some guys use it as motivation and have great years. Some guys have a hard time with it and struggle,” Bickerstaff said. “But, that isn’t just about young players. I’ve been around veterans who have a hard time, whether the trade deadline and contract years because of all that goes into it.
“It is not an easy thing in the end. But again, with our responsibilities as coaches, is to be honest. Be direct. And to be there to support guys who are going through it.”
coty.davis@detroitnews.com
@cotydavis_24
