The Detroit Pistons could soon face another difficult rookie-extension decision, this time involving Ausar Thompson.
According to John Hollinger of The Athletic, Thompson could follow a similar path to Jalen Duren if Detroit is unable to reach an agreement with him on a rookie-scale extension before the start of the 2026-27 season.
Duren entered restricted free agency this summer after the two sides failed to agree on an extension last year. Detroit issued him a qualifying offer, allowing the Pistons to match any outside offer sheet he signs.
Hollinger believes Duren's situation could directly affect Thompson because Detroit first needs clarity on what Duren will cost in future seasons before deciding how much it is prepared to commit to Thompson.
"I see two dominoes here," Hollinger wrote. "First, the Pistons need to know what Duren's number will be on their books in 2028 and 2029 before they can finalize their cap planning and determine their best path for Thompson's next deal."
Ausar Thompson
Ausar Thompson
Thompson could also reach restricted free agency
Another complication is that incentives have become much less useful for teams trying to close small gaps in negotiations.
Hollinger explained that teams have become reluctant to include incentives because they now count toward the NBA's tax aprons even when the player does not achieve them. That removes one negotiating tool that previously allowed teams and players to compromise on contract value.
Detroit does have flexibility with Duren because it remains well below the luxury-tax line and could offer him a front-loaded contract. However, Thompson's extension is expected to be the next major piece of business once Duren's future is resolved.
There is also a potentially revealing question regarding which young player Detroit values more.
"It is an important question of which player they value more, one that will play out rather publicly if Thompson inks an extension shortly after Duren's deal is completed," Hollinger noted.
If Detroit and Thompson cannot find common ground, the 23-year-old could play out the final year of his rookie contract and become a restricted free agent next summer - essentially repeating the situation the Pistons are currently experiencing with Duren.
Thompson, the No. 5 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, averaged 9.9 points, 5.7 rebounds and 3.1 assists last season for Detroit.