As Jalen Duren remains a limited loose agent, the Pistons have agreed to words with Ausar Thompson.
Thompson, already regarded as most likely essentially the most NBA’s elite perimeter defenders, signed a $155 million extension over 5 seasons, averaging $31 million consistent with season, in line with a couple of tales.
Thompson, 23, was once the No. 5 total pick out within the 2023 NBA Draft, one location after his dual Amen, who agreed to a five-Twelve months, $208 million extension with the Rockets in early September, making them the finest-paid bid of twins in NBA historical past.
The Pistons and Duren stay at a summer-lengthy standstill, with tales that the center is tied to a that that you simply would possibly per chance neatly neatly mediate handle the Kings, despite the fact that Detroit remains keen on preserving the All-Massive identify heart.
Ausar Thompson carried out No. 3 in Defensive Player of the Twelve months voting in 2026 in the back of Spurs big name Victor Wembanyama and Yelp standout Chet Holmgren.
The Oakland, Calif., local was once additionally named to the All-Defensive First Team, becoming the Pistons’ All-Coverage honoree since Tayshaun Prince in 2008, and the main to appreciate the coveted first workforce difference since 2006.
Thompson averaged 9.9 facets, 5.7 rebounds and three.1 assists consistent with recreation ultimate season while main the NBA with 2.0 steals consistent with contest.
Throughout the playoffs, he dropped to eight.2 facets consistent with recreation, despite the fact that his rebounds soared to 7.9 consistent with contest, along together with his assists and steals ultimate at 3.1 and a pair of.0, respectively.
The uber-athletic glide shot 52.5 % from the self-discipline all through the commonplace season and peaceful hit over 50 % from the self-discipline all through the postseason.
Duren, who capped off his fourth season, carried out 2026 since the runner-up for Maximum Stepped forward Player to winner Nickeil Alexander-Walker of the Hawks.
Duren carried out with 19.5 facets, 10.5 rebounds and a pair of.0 assists consistent with recreation on 65 % taking photos ultimate season while incomes his first All-Massive identify display.
The 22-Twelve months-mature averaged 11.5 facets and 10.2 rebounds in his first 3 seasons.
Duren, however, dropped off vastly within the playoffs, finishing with averages of 10.2 facets and 8.5 rebounds and apt 51.4 % taking photos, a vital step-down from even his showing in a six-sport sequence in opposition to the Knicks in 2025, the place he posted 11.8 facets, 10.7 rebounds and three.5 dimes on a nightly foundation.
Leave a comment