The Detroit Pistons face a difficult Ausar Thompson extension decision as they try to build a title contender around Cade Cunningham. Thompson made first-team All-Defense and was third in Defensive Player of the Year voting. He will want a massive extension, but his offensive limitations are a problem. Detroit has to sort out Jalen Duren’s restricted free agency and make a tough decision on how to build the best team around Cade.
The lack of floor spacing is a problem. They were 28th in 3-pointers made and 29th in long-range attempts during the regular season. Detroit can’t have two of their three building blocks be non-shooters. It doesn’t work, especially in the playoffs when defenses tighten up. Cade is set to make over $50 million next season. If Duren stays, he will get paid. That leaves an Ausar problem looming in 2027 and beyond.
The Pistons have to choose between Duren and Thompson to build a championship team around Cade Cunningham. The superstar is earning more than 30 percent of the salary cap. Duren earned a massive contract this season. Bobby Marks predicted he would land a five-year deal worth $180 million that starts at 21 percent of the cap. To keep Ausar, that would mean using two-thirds of the cap on three players.
Pistons have an Ausar Thompson extension crisis
Ausar isn’t suddenly becoming a shooter. He took 24 3-point attempts over 73 regular season games with six makes. The 6’7 wing has to impact the game as a cutter, rebounder, and defender. His elite defense keeps him on the floor, but the Pistons have to care about every dollar in the second apron era.
Nailing his extension is crucial to building a title team around Cade. Spotrac’s Keith Smith predicted Ausar would get a five-year extension worth $135 million. Paying him $27 million per year, while giving out over $30 million to another non-shooter, just doesn’t work in the modern NBA.
Things are even more complicated after the playoffs. Detroit would be selling low if they sign-and-trade Duren. Ausar’s extension wouldn’t kick in until 2027, so the Pistons have some time.
If Thompson is the one to go, they should trade him now. The acquiring team would get a shot to sign him long-term and could use restricted free agency if necessary to sort out the terms.
This isn’t an easy decision for Trajan Langdon. The Pistons’ president of basketball operations has kept this young core together and tried to build it into a title winner. Detroit had the best regular-season record in the East, but the warts were on full display in the playoffs.
Things get harder for the Pistons as these extensions kick in. Langdon will have less wiggle room and must convince role players to take discounts to compete for a championship in the Motor City. That won’t be easy if everyone is viewing the Pistons’ lack of floor spacing as an Achilles heel.
The Detroit Pistons should extend Ausar Thompson if they can convince him to agree at his market value. The 23-year-old is an elite defender with room to improve. Thompson will want a bag after making first-team All-Defense. The Pistons have to draw a line in the sand somewhere and refuse to cross it. Even if he signs, Detroit’s roster-building issues remain.
One step at a time. First, the Pistons need to get Ausar signed at a reasonable rate. That will allow them to trade him for significant value if the time comes. Until then, Detroit has a problem on their hands.
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