The Detroit Pistons could get a long-term extension for Jaden Ivey. However, they could get a lower price due to Ivey’s injury.
Jaden Ivey is a vital part of the Detroit Pistons‘ long-term future. Many people forgot about him because he suffered a leg injury at the start of January 2025. However, Ivey was having a strong season as Cade Cunningham’s backcourt partner.
The future is bright for Ivey and Cunningham in the backcourt, especially if the Pistons can extend Ivey. Zach Lowe argues that it should be a priority, but a lower-value extension might be on the table.
Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty ImagesThe Pistons already have the long-term backcourt
The Detroit Pistons were the surprise story of the 2024-25 season. They went from having a 14-68 record in the previous season to a 44-38 record in the 2024-25 campaign. Cunningham and Malik Beasley were the big names at the end of the season due to their standout performances.
However, people forgot about Ivey and his contributions during the first half of the season. He was superb as he brought a dynamic option in the backcourt alongside Cunningham. Ivey’s athleticism is always a big strength, but he combined that with an improved jump shot.
With Ivey and Cunningham in the same backcourt, the Pistons already have their future duo. Cunningham is already one of the league’s best guards, and Ivey has All-Star potential. Signing Ivey should be a no-brainer, but the Pistons must find the right balance due to the injury.
“If I’m the Pistons, I’m absolutely going to Jaden Ivey and trying to get an extension done. Maybe, I’ll get a slight discount,” Zach Lowe said on his podcast.
“Coming off a broken leg and a kind of checkered first three seasons in the NBA. Could I go for four years, $120 million? Could I go four years, $100 million?”
The right value for Ivey
Ivey has the potential to be a star for the Pistons, but the injury is a red flag. Any major lower-body injury could factor into contract extension discussions. Ivey showed his potential in the 2024-25 season, but that might not be enough for a four-year, $120 million contract.
Lowe argues that the Pistons should try signing him on a cheaper deal, like $100 million over four years. A productive guard at $25 million is a bargain, but that will be up to Ivey and his management.
Staying with the Pistons is a good move due to the young core. Players like Cunningham and top-tier defender Ausar Thompson are awesome teammates in the long run.
That does not take away from the general point that Ivey deserves a long-term deal with Detroit. He had an inconsistent start to his career, but he showed he could hang with Cunningham. That should bode well for the future, as he returns from his leg injury.