Pistons, Ausar Thompson Agree to $155M Extension
Pistons, Ausar Thompson Agree to $155M Extension
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Key Points
1
During Detroit’s 14-game run to the Eastern Conference semifinals, Thompson averaged 8.2 points, 7.9 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 2.0 steals and 1.8 blocks per game. He became the first player since Anthony Davis in 2020 to record at least 25 steals and 25 blocks in a single postseason.
2
Thompson had the NBA’s third-highest combined total of steals and blocks last season, with 215, and is one of only three players since entering the league to record at least 300 steals and 150 blocks.
3
The Pistons selected Thompson with the No. 5 pick in the 2023 NBA draft, and his extension follows a sophomore season that was interrupted by a blood-clot diagnosis in March 2024. He was cleared by the NBA’s fitness-to-play panel eight months later.
4
Detroit has reportedly offered restricted free agent Jalen Duren a contract worth more than $190 million, but negotiations remain stalled because Duren is seeking more and the Pistons believe their offers are fair.
5
The combined value of Ausar Thompson’s extension and Amen Thompson’s five-year, $208 million extension with the Houston Rockets is $363 million this offseason.
The Detroit Pistons signed All-Defensive forward Ausar Thompson to a fully guaranteed five-year, $155 million extension, according to NBA.com. Thompson, 21, earned first-team All-Defense honors last season, finished third in Defensive Player of the Year voting, and led the NBA in steals per game while averaging 9.9 points, 5.7 rebounds and 3.1 assists.
The deal locks in one of the league's elite perimeter defenders as the Pistons continue rebuilding. Thompson and his twin brother Amen Thompson of the Houston Rockets are the first brothers in NBA history to each receive contracts worth at least $100 million, with their combined deals totaling $363 million this offseason.
Dominant Defense Despite Limited Scoring
Thompson's impact on defense far outpaces his scoring. During Detroit's 14-game playoff run to the Eastern Conference semifinals, he averaged 8.2 points, 7.9 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 2.0 steals and 1.8 blocks per game. He became the first player since Anthony Davis in 2020 to record at least 25 steals and 25 blocks in a single postseason.
Historic Defensive Metrics
Thompson finished last season with the NBA's third-highest combined total of steals and blocks at 215. He is one of only three players since entering the league to record at least 300 steals and 150 blocks. His elite two-way impact at 21 years old justified Detroit's investment.
Return From Blood Clot Setback
The Pistons drafted Thompson with the No. 5 pick in 2023, but his sophomore season was derailed by a blood-clot diagnosis in March 2024. The NBA's fitness-to-play panel cleared him eight months later, and his strong defensive season proved he recovered fully from the serious health issue.
Duren Negotiations Remain Stalled
Detroit has also prioritized center Jalen Duren, a restricted free agent. The Pistons offered Duren a contract worth more than $190 million, but talks have stalled, according to NBC Sports. Duren is seeking more money while the Pistons believe their offer is fair. The team hopes to finalize both deals soon.
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