Photo: Peter Baba

The Detroit Pistons could face another major contract decision next summer if they are unable to reach an extension with Ausar Thompson, according to Josh Hollinger of The Athletic.

Hollinger reported Thursday that Detroit’s negotiations with restricted free agent Jalen Duren could directly affect Thompson’s future, as the Pistons need clarity on Duren’s salary before determining their long-term cap structure and Thompson’s next contract.

Thompson, 23, is entering the final season of his four-year, $36 million rookie contract. If Detroit and Thompson do not agree on an extension, he would become a restricted free agent in the summer of 2027.

Detroit’s preference appears to be resolving Duren’s situation first. Hollinger wrote that the Pistons need to know what Duren will count against their books in 2028-29 before finalizing their approach to Thompson’s contract, while the order of the two deals could also reveal how the organization values its young core.

The Pistons are reportedly in a strong financial position for the current negotiations, sitting approximately $46 million below the luxury tax line after completing their other major offseason moves. Hollinger noted that this flexibility could allow Detroit to structure Duren’s next contract with more money paid earlier in the deal.

Thompson’s potential extension remains a significant decision because of his defensive impact. In 2025-26, he averaged 9.9 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 2.0 steals and 0.9 blocks in 73 games while starting 72 times.

He finished third in Defensive Player of the Year voting and earned All-Defensive First Team honors after leading the NBA with 2.0 steals per game. Thompson also shot 52.5% from the field, although his perimeter shooting remained limited, as he attempted just 0.3 three-pointers per game and made 25.0% of those attempts.

Detroit relied heavily on Thompson during its 60-22 regular season, which produced the best record in the Eastern Conference. He averaged 26.0 minutes per game and was one of six Pistons to average at least 9.9 points.

The Pistons ultimately lost to the Cleveland Cavaliers in seven games in the Eastern Conference semifinals, but Thompson’s 2025-26 season established him as one of Detroit’s most important long-term defensive pieces.

Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints previously reported that Thompson is expected to receive a five-year extension, with a projected average annual value between $30 million and $35 million. Such a deal would be worth at least $150 million over five years.

However, Hollinger’s report introduces another possibility. If Detroit and Thompson cannot agree on an extension after the Duren negotiations are completed, the Pistons could allow him to play out the final year of his rookie contract and enter restricted free agency in 2027.

Detroit has already committed major money to Cade Cunningham, who is entering the second season of his five-year, $269 million maximum extension. The resolution of Duren’s contract, followed by Thompson’s negotiations, will further define how much of the Pistons’ future payroll is committed to the core that led the franchise to 60 wins in 2025-26.