The Detroit Pistons have popped up in some surprising trade rumors of late, but there is one thing holding them back, and his name is Ausar Thompson.
The Pistons were most recently named as one of a trio of teams that would be suitors for Anthony Davis, a rumor that shows Trajan Langdon might think his team is close, even if it ultimately never comes to fruition.
Davis comes with plenty of red flags, not the least of which is his salary, which would be difficult for the Pistons to absorb given their obligations in the near future.
It’s not just Davis, the Pistons will have a hard time landing any superstar player because of the present and future of Ausar Thompson.
The Pistons aren’t trading Ausar Thompson
This wouldn’t be the case for AD, but for players like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Lauri Markkanen, Thompson would be the prize trade asset their respective teams would want in return.
We know there are no truly “untouchable” players in the NBA, but Ausar Thompson is pretty close to it for the Pistons. It’s hard for me to imagine a scenario in which they would give him up in a trade, as his ceiling is too high, and teams are constantly looking for elite wing defenders.
So, you can forget any trade that includes Thompson, as he is too big a part of what makes this Pistons team work. This immediately takes the Pistons out of talks for many of the "available" stars.
The Detroit Pistons have to pay Ausar Thompson soon
The Pistons aren’t going to give up Thompson, which means they will have to extend him as soon as next offseason, and he’s likely to get a big raise.
That salary is a consideration when thinking about adding a superstar in a trade, as Jalen Duren will also be getting a massive boost in pay next season (potentially near $40 million annually), which means this roster is going to get mighty expensive soon.
With Cade Cunningham already on a max, Duren getting close next season and Thompson’s extension to follow, the Pistons would have a tough time taking on a salary like AD’s and still fill out a roster.
If a star like Anthony Davis were on an expiring deal, then it might make sense to try to add him for a run at the title, as it wouldn’t affect their long-term finances. But Davis has a year after this one, plus a player option at over $62 million, which could be a stone around someone’s neck if he isn’t healthy.
The Pistons aren’t going to trade Thompson to land a superstar, and they also have to keep room for his future salary, so when we are talking star trades, Ausar is actually one of the biggest roadblocks to it happening.