The Detroit Pistons are coming off one of their best seasons in recent memory. A team that finished last in the Eastern Conference just a year ago improved by 30 wins and qualified for the NBA Playoffs as the No. 6 seed.
Many Pistons were nominated for awards around the league. Cade Cunningham was a finalist for the Most Improved Player award, Malik Beasley for Sixth Man of the Year, J.B. Bickerstaff for Coach of the Year, and Trajan Langdon for Executive of the Year.
While none of the above-mentioned Pistons took home their respective hardware for which they were nominated, there's something clear: something special is going on in Detroit.
Detroit Pistons urged to make $100 million decision
The Pistons fell to the New York Knicks in six games, but they got a massive chip off their shoulder by winning their first playoff game since 2008.
For Pistons fans, it's hard not to think about the massive "what if" scenario regarding Jaden Ivey. He was putting up the best numbers of his career after receiving a bigger role before suffering a broken leg on New Year's Day.
However, it could turn out to be beneficial for the Pistons, as one NBA analyst suggests. Ivey is eligible for a contract extension this summer, and The Ringer's Zach Lowe thinks the Pistons should get that deal done as soon as possible and for a possible discount.
"If I'm the Pistons, I'm absolutely going to Jaden Ivey and trying to get an extension done," Lowe said. "Maybe I get a slight discount...Could I get him four years, $120 million? Four years $100 [million]? Am I getting too greedy?"
Lowe gives great points. However, the choice is ultimately up to Ivey. He could choose to bet on himself and hold off on talks of an extension.
Ivey will have plenty of opportunity to prove himself next season, as Dennis Schroder, Tim Hardaway Jr. and Beasley are all set to become free agents.
Even if the Pistons elect to bring one or more of those players back, Ivey will likely have the same opportunities he was afforded before the injury, provided he demonstrates a similar level of performance.