Pistons Secure Ausar Thompson with $155 Million Extension Amidst Jalen Duren Stalemate

The Detroit Pistons have agreed to a five-year, $155 million contract extension with forward Ausar Thompson, averaging $31 million per season. This significant deal comes as the team continues to navigate a contract stalemate with center Jalen Duren.

Thompson, 23, who was the fifth overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, has established himself as one of the league's premier perimeter defenders. His extension places him and his twin brother, Amen Thompson of the Houston Rockets, as the highest-paid twins in NBA history following Amen's recent five-year, $208 million deal.

Thompson finished third in Defensive Player of the Year voting for the 2026 season, trailing only Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren. He was also named to the All-Defensive First Team, marking the first time a Pistons player has received that honor since Tayshaun Prince in 2008 and the first time a Detroit player made the first team since 2006.

Last season, Thompson averaged 9.9 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 3.1 assists, while leading the NBA with 2.0 steals per game. During the playoffs, his production shifted slightly, with averages of 8.2 points and 7.9 rebounds, while maintaining 3.1 assists and 2.0 steals. He shot 52.5 percent from the field during the regular season and maintained over 50 percent shooting in the postseason.

Meanwhile, Jalen Duren remains a restricted free agent, with reports indicating a potential deal with the Sacramento Kings. However, the Pistons are reportedly committed to retaining the All-Star center. Duren, who completed his fourth season, was the runner-up for the Most Improved Player award in 2026. He posted career-best averages of 19.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 2.0 assists on 65 percent shooting, earning his first All-Star selection. In the previous three seasons, he averaged 11.5 points and 10.2 rebounds. Duren's performance dipped in the playoffs, averaging 10.2 points and 8.5 rebounds on 51.4 percent shooting.