While the Pistons remained mired in extension talks with Jalen Duren, they must also be aware that an extension for Ausar Thompson is coming around the corner soon. Before the Pistons reach that point, an expensive baseline could be set by the Rockets when they secure his twin brother Amen Thompson to a long-term contract. Sources are now reporting that Houston is heading towards an extension that will get their Thompson twin up over $40 million per season on his next contract, setting a costly precedent for Detroit.
The Thompson extensions will not be cheap
Both Thompsons are eligible for extensions before the season starts, which would keep them out of restricted free agency next year. The Pistons should be eager to avoid another Duren-esque situation with Ausar next summer, so locking him up will be a priority once they agree to terms with Duren. Unfortunately, Duren's current extended holdout has held up other matters for the Pistons this summer, but they should make some progress on extending him in coming weeks.
After their stunning record last season, the Pistons are keen to keep their core group together - including Ausar Thompson as the main defensive force. Last season, he helped drive them to one of the league's top defensive ratings and 60 wins, the franchise's best marks in decades. Although he still has plenty of room to grow offensively, the Pistons' front office has made their stance on Ausar clear: they want him in Detroit for a long time.
Across the NBA, twin brother Amen is coming off a season playing the de facto point guard role for a Rockets team lacking a true floor general. He still played incredible defense while taking on additional offensive workload, and it's clear his front office values him very highly as well. Both brothers have already made a First Team All-Defense in their young careers and consistently have some of the highest impact ratings on their respective teams.
As a result of their incredible production and unbelievable athleticism, both Thompson twins are headed for huge paydays this summer. Ausar might not get quite the same dollar amount as Amen, since he hasn't shown the offensive flashes. But if Amen is getting paid over $40 million per season, Ausar likely won't be too far behind.
Ausar can earn every penny of his extension
But even if Ausar inks an extension for a jaw-dropping amount, he can earn his value with some offensive improvements and his continued defensive excellence. Last season, he had one of the most impactful seasons ever by a player averaging under 10 points per game (he averaged 9.9). That scoring volume obviously needs to go up, along with his overall offensive aggression, but his defense alone is worthy of a big deal.
Of course, Ausar finished third in Defensive Player of the Year voting and looked even more dominant on that end in the playoffs. His defensive versatility and mindblowing rim protection as a non-center completely elevated Detroit's defense to historic levels. If he can keep that up while getting better on the other end through his next contract, the Pistons won't regret a single dollar spent.
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