Ausar Thompson is expected to become one of the Detroit Pistons’ biggest offseason decisions as he becomes eligible for a rookie-scale contract extension ahead of his fourth NBA season.
Thompson has already established himself as one of the league’s top young defenders and was even viewed by some around the NBA as a Defensive Player of the Year-level talent this season.
However, questions remain about his offensive limitations after he made only six three-pointers all year and shot 57.1 percent from the free-throw line.
The young wing has also been benched during certain late-game playoff situations because of those offensive struggles.
Despite that, ESPN’s Tim Bontemps reported that several league insiders still believe Thompson could command an extension worth roughly $25 million per season, similar to the deals recently signed by Dyson Daniels and Christian Braun.
Meanwhile, Detroit is also monitoring the playoff struggles of Jalen Duren, whose upcoming restricted free agency could create another difficult negotiation for the franchise.
One Eastern Conference executive told ESPN that the Pistons may ultimately feel forced to offer Duren a maximum contract despite his inconsistent postseason production.
“He’s not a max player, but they’re probably going to have to give him the max,” the executive said.
ICYMI: Jalen Duren’s poor postseason play has the potential to complicate his contract negotiations with the Pistons when he reaches restricted free agency this summer. That + more league-wide chatter. https://t.co/V0axyENoS2
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) May 16, 2026
