Pistons' Duren & Ivey, Nuggets' Braun Likely to Miss Extensions

Merlin sees that Jalen Duren, Jaden Ivey and Christian Braun are unlikely to land rookie-scale extensions before Monday’s 6 p.m. ET deadline, which would push all three into restricted free agency next summer. As Jake Fischer reported, "Sources say neither first-round pick for the Pistons has generated much momentum on a new deal," and negotiations are strained by Ivey’s recent knee procedure, Duren’s camp seeking well north of a $30M AAV, and Denver’s reluctance to become a taxpayer if Braun chases roughly $25M AAV. Merlin knows this is as much about cap spells as on-court magic. Detroit may value roster and cap flexibility after a 44-win leap, and Denver’s new front office is watching luxury tax lines. Watch Ivey’s mid-November recheck and Duren/Braun’s summer trajectories — the market will tell the final story.