Now that the Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren extension deadline has passed without either player getting one from the Detroit Pistons, attention will next turn to Ausar Thompson, who is far more likely to get a new contract next summer.
So far, Cade Cunningham is the only player the Pistons have given a long-term contract, as he’s the only player signed past 2026-27, with the rest on short-term deals or ones with team options at the end of them.
It’s not likely that all of these young guys get second contracts with the Pistons unless they prove this season that they are a group that can make a deep run in the playoffs and eventually compete for a title.
Given their style of play, it’s not surprising that the Pistons wanted to see one more year of Ivey and Duren, as Ivey may not be a great fit with Cade Cunningham and Duren has to prove that he’s more than just an elite rebounder who can dunk.
Thompson is more of a sure thing when it comes to a rookie extension and the Trail Blazers just did the Pistons a solid in their negotiations.
Trail Blazers set Ausar Thompson market with Toumani Camara contract
The Trail Blazers came to terms on extensions with two of their young players, Shaedon Sharpe and Toumani Camara, as they were willing to take a risk the Pistons weren’t. It’s likely because of the numbers involved, as both players signed what are seen as fair contracts.
Camara got four years and $82 million in a deal that should be a winner for Portland and makes you wonder how Ivey thinks he’s worth nearly double that.
Camara isn’t a household name by any means, but he’s an elite defender who made second team All-Defense last season and had a good year shooting the ball from long range. Camara has some offensive limitations but big wings who can defend at a high level are extremely important in today’s perimeter oriented game.
Ausar Thompson could be in a similar position next season, as he has a good chance at the All-Defensive team if he stays healthy, but will likely still be viewed as a guy with some offensive limitations. He’s not nearly as good a shooter as Camara, but hopefully his playmaking and finishing at the rim will make up for it.
The two players are in a similar tier, though Thompson is younger and is perceived to have the higher ceiling. He may get a bit more than Camara but the Blazers did the Pistons a favor by setting a team-friendly market for wing defenders