Ausar Thompson is expected to receive a five-year extension from the Detroit Pistons, with the deal projected to average between $30 million and $35 million annually, according to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints. The extension is being delayed by Jalen Duren’s restricted free agency, with Detroit waiting to determine its long-term financial commitments before finalizing Thompson’s contract.
Siegel reported that the Pistons want to extend Thompson but will wait until Duren’s situation is resolved. Thompson’s projected contract would be worth at least $150 million over five years, putting him firmly into nine-figure territory.
The 23-year-old Thompson is coming off his most productive season. He averaged 9.9 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 2.0 steals and 0.9 blocks in 73 games while shooting 52.5% from the field.
Thompson’s biggest value came on defense. He led the NBA in steals at 2.0 per game and earned All-Defensive honors while finishing third in Defensive Player of the Year voting.
His offensive production remains more limited. Thompson attempted only 0.3 three-pointers per game during the 2025-26 regular season and made 25.0% of those attempts, leaving his outside shooting as a significant area for development.
The Pistons nevertheless relied on Thompson as a major part of their rotation while finishing 60-22, the best record in the Eastern Conference. He started 72 of his 73 games and played 26.0 minutes per game.
Detroit’s financial planning has made Duren’s contract the immediate priority. The restricted free agent is seeking a deal near the maximum, while the Pistons have reportedly been targeting a much lower annual figure, creating a substantial gap in negotiations.
Once Duren’s contract is resolved, Thompson’s extension should become easier to structure. Siegel reported that Detroit expects Thompson’s five-year deal to be comparable to the $30 million-to-$35 million annual range the organization has considered appropriate for Duren.
Thompson’s extension would also add another major long-term salary alongside Cade Cunningham. Cunningham is entering the second season of his five-year, $269 million maximum extension, while Detroit must balance its commitments to its young core against its desire to retain financial flexibility.
The Pistons also added John Collins on a three-year, $51 million contract this offseason, while moving Isaiah Stewart and Caris LeVert in separate transactions. Those moves give Detroit additional flexibility as it determines how much of its future payroll should be committed to its young players.
