The Detroit Pistons have just over a month to extend Jaden Ivey and all signs are pointing to it not happening.
It makes sense for both sides to wait, as Ivey wants to prove he’s worth a hefty investment and the Pistons want more information before they make it.
But even if Ivey breaks out this season, his contract demands may still be far from what the Pistons are willing to offer, which may lead them to a different kind of solution.
Detroit could go the same route Houston did with Jalen Green when he signed a three-year, $105 million contract.
Green took fewer years and less overall money but bet on himself with a player option in the third year, when he can opt out if he thinks he can get more. Green has since been traded to the Phoenix Suns in the Kevin Durant deal, which makes it look even better for Houston.
Ivey may not get that kind of money, but a shorter deal might be the ultimate solution in his contract negotiations.
Detroit Pistons: Short-term deals are lower risk
Trajan Langdon has already shown his preference for short-term deals when it comes to role players, and he may take a similar approach with Jaden Ivey.
If Ivey doesn’t sign an extension before next season, he’ll enter restricted free agency, and even if he has a big season, teams just aren’t losing players in restricted free agency these days and tend to have all of the leverage.
I’d say Josh Giddey’s recent deal set a ceiling for Ivey, but he could also choose to take a shorter deal like Green did to essentially bet on himself and be eligible for another big contract while still firmly in his prime years.
Sam Vecenie suggested three years and $70 million on a recent episode of The Game Theory podcast and I don’t think that’s far off, as teams are going to be increasingly careful about who gets the four and five year deals.
A shorter deal would also make Ivey’s next contract easy to move in a trade for star as Jalen Green’s recently was, as the other team can take a flyer on a high-upside talent, gain control with little long-term obligation.
It doesn’t appear that the Ivey contract situation is going to be resolved before next season, and I wouldn’t be surprised if it ends in him taking a shorter deal like Jalen Green did.