What's the most Pistons should offer Jaden Ivey in an extension?

Trajan Langdon and the Detroit Pistons have an important season in front of them when it comes to player development and evaluation. 

The Pistons have already inked Cade Cunningham to a max extension and both Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren will be eligible for extensions next summer. 

Right now, those extension numbers are anyone’s guess, as the two need to show improvements in key areas before the Pistons can commit to them long term. 

This is especially true of Ivey, who is entering his third season at 22-years-old and needs to make clear progress if he wants to get an extension. But what is his number going to look like? That depends on next season. 

If Jaden Ivey stays about the same next season... 

Then he’s not getting an extension, it’s that simple. Ivey doesn’t have to be an All-Star next season, but if he is inefficient and still a total sieve on defense, then there would be no reason for the Pistons to offer him an early extension. 

They could just let Ivey play out his 4th year and become a restricted free agent, which does come with some risk, but not as much as giving a guy a big extension who hasn’t earned it. 

If Jaden Ivey improves in important areas... 

Let’s say that Ivey makes a leap in efficiency, shows noticeable improvement on defense and that he can run the offense being staggered with Cade Cunningham. 

In this scenario, Ivey’s baseline for an extension probably looks a lot like Isaiah Stewart’s in the four years, $60 million range at least. 

It’s hard to envision Ivey getting less than that unless he doesn’t improve, in which case the Pistons probably wouldn’t offer him an extension at all or would even trade him. 

But if Ivey has a good/not great season, he’ll get at least what Beef Stew got in his extension. 

If Jaden Ivey makes a big leap... 

In the best-case scenario, Ivey makes the kind of improvement that a guy like Tyrese Maxey made by his third season, becomes a legit second option and a clear building block. 

If Ivey shoots closer to 40 percent from long range on more volume, scores more efficiently around the rim and at least becomes a passable defender, then the type of deal that Immanuel Quickley got (in the range of 5 years, $162 million) is not out of the question. 

Most people thought this was a bit of an overpay for Quickley, but when you look at how the cap is going up, $30+ million is going to be minimum wage for a good NBA starter. 

I think it’s safe to say that Jaden Ivey has between $60-160 million at stake next season, as big improvement is going to mean a big payday, but if his development flattens out, he may not get an extension at all.