Changes are coming to the Pistons. Troy Weaver is out while Trajan Langdon is the primary decision-maker, meaning big roster changes are on the horizon. Monty Williams, despite the huge contract he signed just over a year ago, is now on the ice.
Cade Cunningham isn’t going anywhere, he will be the only constant. Cunningham followed a second NBA season shortened by a shin injury with a third season, averaging 22.7 points, 7.5 assists and 4.3 rebounds while shooting 35.5% from 3.
Detroit will lock Cunningham up with a maximum rookie contract extension, which is logical and confirmed by James Edwards III of The Athletic.
I am 99.9 percent certain that Cunningham will receive an extension this offseason. I don’t want to say 100 percent because you never know what could happen, but I would be surprised if the 2021 No. 1 overall pick didn’t sign a rookie max extension.
It would be a five-year deal worth $226 million (25% of the salary cap, a number that could increase if Cunningham makes All-NBA next season).
Cunningham appears to be Detroit’s secure cornerstone, although players like Jalen Duren and Ausar Thompson are close to joining him. The Pistons enter this offseason with plenty of cap space. However, instead of going after veterans, Detroit would be wise to consider accepting a poor salary in a trade, as long as some first-round picks or good young players are included. The job is to find more talent and build around Cunningham.
Which is what you do with the most players.
