Worst contract #2: Cade Cunningham, 5 years/$224,238,150
First off, the Pistons absolutely had to do this deal for myriad reasons, the most important being that Cunningham represents the only hope they have of ever being good.
But let’s be honest, this contract was largely based on that hope, as Cunningham hasn’t done much to earn it. He’s not been on a team that was even close to being competitive, which is concerning when you see how other young stars like Tyese Haliburton have made their teams into winners.
That isn’t all Cade’s fault, as he had the worst front office in the league and the rosters around him were never better than pathetic.
However, Cunningham has missed a ton of games, hasn’t shot the ball efficiently and isn’t a great defender.
An All-Star season on an improved team next year would soften these doubts, as Cade clearly has the talent, but until he does it, this is all based on speculation and hope.
This deal will never kill the Pistons, as there will always be a team out there willing to bet on Cade’s potential, especially when he’s been on a team that has given him no help. If the Pistons want to trade him, they’ll be able to, but the return will decrease every year they don’t win with Cunningham failing to play even 65 games.
The clock is officially ticking for Cade Cunningham and the Pistons. If he doesn’t improve and lead a competitive team next season, the trade rumors are going to kick in for real.