The Detroit Pistons finally completed some offseason business by signing Ausar Thompson to a five-year extension worth $155 million, a deal that already looks like a bargain.
It wasn’t the extension news fans have been waiting for, but it’s clear the Pistons can no longer wait around for Jalen Duren, so they put a pin in that one and got the contract completed with Thompson instead.
I suggested the Pistons should do this, not only to get Ausar into camp happy, but to hopefully prompt Duren to come to his senses, as he’s been offered far more and is arguably far less important to the team.
There will immediately be talk of paying a non-shooting forward upwards of $30 million a year, and those concerns are real, but Thompson is the best perimeter defender in the NBA right now and that matters too.
I also think we’ll see a big leap from Thompson next season, especially when it comes to on-ball creation and finishing around the rim. He’s a maniacal gym rat, and this is his first offseason without limitations, so I expect to see big things from Thompson.
Even if that offensive leap doesn’t come right away, his contract will prove to be a bargain, especially when you compare it to some of his peers.
Ausar Thompson is on a value deal when you look around the league
You don’t want to spend too much time pocket watching in the NBA, as every situation is different and just because one guy got a certain amount doesn’t mean you should. Jalen Duren should heed this advice.
Ausar Thompson obviously did, as it didn’t matter to him that his twin brother got $50 million more than him or that there are lesser players all over the league making more.
Start with his brother Amen, who I’ve said several times is the better player of the two. But is he that much better? Debatable.
Look at Ausar's own team, as Duren is about to potentially bag $40 million more overall than Thompson. Who would you rather have? I know my answer, especially at that price.
Compare Ausar’s $31 million per year to Jordan Poole (34), Jalen Suggs (32), Immanuel Quickley (32.5) and it starts to look even better, as none of those guys are as good as Thompson and he’s also younger.
If Thompson has an offensive breakout next season, this contract is going to age very well for the Pistons and look like one of the best bargains in the league.
The Pistons aren’t finished yet, and let’s hope Thompson’s deal prompts Duren to get his signed soon.
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