Ausar Thompson could be NBA's best bargain if reported numbers are close

Most of the focus has been on the restricted free agency of Jalen Duren so far this offseason, but the Detroit Pistons also have to make an important decision about an extension for Ausar Thompson. 

ESPN’s Bobby Marks thinks the Pistons will extend Thompson this summer at a number somewhere around 5 years/$162 million, which seems about right. 

Thompson is already one of the world’s best defenders, and while that may seem like a lot of money for a guy who isn’t an offensive star, he only has to improve in one other area to make that contract look like a bargain. 

Ausar Thompson is already worth the investment for the Pistons 

Ausar Thompson was the Pistons’ second-most important player in the playoffs, and that was without having a huge impact on the offensive end. The annual salary of around $32 million is the going rate for an NBA starter and similar to players like Immanuel Quickley, Jerami Grant, Jrue Holiday and Jalen Green. 

That salary puts Thompson in line with other non-All-Stars, the difference is that Thompson has far more room for growth than any of those guys. He’s worth that money right now, as is, but it could look like a bargain if things break right on offense. 

Ausar Thompson just needs to do one thing well 

If Thompson could shoot 3-pointers or was already a polished creator, he’d be looking at a max deal, which is what Marks predicted for Ausar’s twin brother Amen, who is the better offensive player. 

Amen can’t shoot either but averaged double Ausar’s points and nearly double the assists, and if Ausar were putting up those kinds of numbers, he’d likely get nearly $100 million more this offseason. 

But Ausar doesn’t have to get to Amen’s level to be worth $32 million a year, so if he can even get to league average as a corner 3-point shooter or starts to create more and finish around the rim, the Pistons will be getting a two-way wing at a discount. 

Thompson doesn’t have to do everything well when you consider his elite defense is already worth the investment, but if he adds to his offensive game at all, the Pistons will look smart in a year or two when they have an All-Star level wing getting paid below his market value. 

Thompson’s work ethic, basketball IQ and desire to win make him a safe investment and if the Pistons can lock him into a five-year extension in the range that Marks predicts, then they are very unlikely to regret that decision. 

This will be Ausar's first offseason without limitations, so a big leap may be coming, and if it does, the Pistons will be happy they locked him up at the first opportunity.

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