NBA Extension Deadline: Duren, Ivey, Herro

Merlin sees the league in late-sprint mode: agents called extension talks "the torture chamber" as teams have until 6 p.m. ET Monday to sign rookie-scale extensions or extension-eligible veterans. Notable unsigned suitors include Christian Braun, Jalen Duren, Jaden Ivey, Tari Eason, Walker Kessler, Bennedict Mathurin and Mark Williams; unsigned players would become restricted free agents next summer. Tyler Herro headlines the veterans running out of time. This deadline matters because it forces teams to choose control now or risk player leverage later. Veterans like Kevin Durant can still sign in-season and players with 2026-27 options (e.g., Trae Young) have alternate paths, so expect last-hour deals and strategic passes. Merlin senses the final hours will tell which front offices prefer certainty and which bet on future flexibility.