Apr 10, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Detroit Pistons guard/forward Ausar Thompson (9) during first quarter against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
Apr 10, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Detroit Pistons guard/forward Ausar Thompson (9) during first quarter against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
Although their postseason run ended in disappointment, the Detroit Pistons‘ performance in the regular season was convincing enough to suggest the team would remain a title contender for years to come. However, in light of how hectic this offseason has been, new doubts arise.
Despite boasting some talented players on their roster, the Pistons are struggling to keep things together. As the delays in contract discussions with Jalen Duren continue to raise concerns, the Pistons can only hope for a solution. However, according to NBA insider Vince Goodwill, this situation may be far more complicated.
On a recent episode of “The Hoop Collective” podcast, Vince Goodwill addressed the issues arising from the negotiations with Jalen Duren and his camp. While the contract demands are certainly worth mentioning, Goodwill hinted at another problem that deserves attention.
“I’ll say this as someone who’s watched them closely. I don’t think this is news or anything like that. But I think there are a lot of people within the Pistons organization that hold him [Ausar Thompson] as the second-best player on this team and not Jalen Duren, even though Duren made the All-Star team,” Goodwill mentioned. “And that affects these discussions.”
Co-host Kevin O’Connor built on this, adding:
“Yeah, that’s reflected in Duren’s contract negotiations over two summers now.”
The Pistons are very evidently led by Cade Cunningham, who is also the face of the franchise. However, after earning an All-Star selection and even being named to the All-NBA third team, it appears that Jalen Duren’s reputation as the Pistons’ second-best player still hasn’t been cemented.
While Ausar Thompson remains a key player in the rotation, it is easy to see why some may consider him among their best players. But should such a variable emerge as a factor in Duren’s contract negotiations?
Realistically, there is no reason why it shouldn’t.
The current CBA has inherently made it very difficult for teams to keep young cores together. When examining how the contract extensions for Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren forced the Oklahoma City Thunder to make some large-scale changes this summer, the Pistons clearly find themselves headed down the same path.
Having paid Cade Cunningham, who finished fifth in MVP voting last season with averages of 23.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 9.9 assists per game, the Pistons have already seen their return on investment. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for Duren, who averaged 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds per game last season but completely disappeared in the playoffs.
By the same token, Ausar Thompson’s value isn’t always reflected on the stat sheet. Although he posted only 9.9 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 2.0 steals (league-high), and 0.9 blocks per game, Thompson was one of the most impactful players in Detroit’s rotation. As a disruptive defensive presence, the 23-year-old proved himself vital to the Pistons’ success.
In an ideal world, Ausar Thompson’s standing with the Pistons should not affect Duren’s contract discussions. Sadly, with the CBA forcing teams to make difficult choices, Detroit has been pushed to drive a hard bargain with the star center.
As things stand, neither side is willing to budge, with Duren demanding upwards of $40 million a year. Meanwhile, with Thompson also eligible for an extension, Detroit may be forced to make a tough choice. With the qualifying offer lurking as an option for Duren, the Pistons’ future doesn’t look too promising.