Detroit Pistons Paid the Right Guy

Ausar Thompson signs a five-year, $155 million rookie-scale extension with the Detroit Pistons — fully guaranteed, beginning in 2027-28, per The Athletic. He was entering the final year of his rookie deal after going fifth overall in 2023.

Last season: 9.9 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 0.9 blocks, and a league-leading 2.0 steals per game. Third in the NBA in combined steals and blocks (215). One of three players with 300+ steals and 150+ blocks since entering the league. First-team All-Defense — the first Piston to make an All-Defensive team since Ben Wallace — and third in Defensive Player of the Year voting behind Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren. In 14 playoff games: 8.2 points, 8 rebounds, nearly 4 assists, 2 steals, nearly 2 blocks.

Three-point percentage by season: 18%, 22%, 25%.

Twin brother Amen Thompson signed a five-year, $208 million extension with Houston earlier this month — the first pair of NBA brothers to each sign $100M+ deals, $363 million combined this offseason.

Meanwhile, Jalen Duren remains unresolved. Trajan Langdon has been running both negotiations at once. Detroit has been engaged with Duren since June, offering north of $190 million; Duren's side is seeking $40 million per year. Kings rumors have circulated around Duren, with Domantas Sabonis floated as a return.

Chapters
0:00 5 Years, $155 Million
0:33 First-Team All-Defense, DPOY Finalist
1:41 Where He Fits With Cade
2:28 Is $31M a Year Worth It?
3:09 Duren Wants $40 Million
4:36 Championship DNA
5:33 Amen Thompson and the $363M Offseason
6:13 Where the Duren Talks Stand
6:27 The One Real Question: The Jumper
7:30 Trade Duren to Sacramento?
8:18 Wrap