DETROIT — Above all else, coach J.B. Bickerstaff wants to be direct, honest and supportive of his Detroit Pistons players while they navigate through the toughest part of the NBA — the business side.

The Pistons have two players eligible to sign rookie scale extensions in guard Jaden Ivey and center Jalen Duren. Reports suggest that deals aren’t going to be done before the rapidly-approaching deadline.

But Bickerstaff doesn’t want to shy away from being open with younger and veteran players as they deal with their respective contract situations.

“It’s the hardest part of all of these jobs is the business of basketball. It takes emotion, it’s tough on relationships. It just is what it is,” Bickerstaff said hours before Monday’s 6 p.m. deadline for rookie extension deadline. “And I know

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