Pistons Secure Future with Star Ausar Thompson's Blockbuster $155M Extension!
Detroit Pistons All-Defensive forward Ausar Thompson has signed a five-year, $155 million rookie-scale extension after a stellar season. He earned first-team All-Defense and finished third in DPOY voting, leading the NBA in steals. This historic deal makes him and his twin brother, Amen Thompson, the first siblings to each secure over $100 million in NBA contracts.
Detroit Pistons All-Defensive forward Ausar Thompson has secured a significant five-year, $155 million rookie-scale contract extension with the franchise, solidifying his future with the team. This fully guaranteed extension comes after a standout performance that saw him earn first-team All-Defense honors and finish an impressive third in the Defensive Player of the Year voting during what was described as his last season.
Thompson's defensive prowess has been a cornerstone of his game since entering the league as the No. 5 pick in the 2023 draft. In the 2025-26 season, the 23-year-old demonstrated his elite defensive capabilities by leading the NBA in steals per game with an average of 2.0. Overall, during his last season, he recorded the third-most steals and blocks in the league, accumulating 215 combined. His consistent impact on both ends of the court makes him one of only three players to achieve at least 300 steals and 150 blocks since his draft year.
Beyond his defensive highlights, Thompson also contributed offensively, averaging 9.9 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 0.9 blocks during his 2025-26 campaign. His contributions were also crucial during Detroit's run to the Eastern Conference semifinals, where in 14 playoff games, he averaged 8.2 points, 7.9 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 2 steals, and 1.8 blocks. This playoff performance made him the first player since Anthony Davis in 2020 to achieve at least 25 steals and 25 blocks in a single postseason.
The extension also marks a historic moment for the Thompson family. Ausar and his twin brother, Amen Thompson of the Houston Rockets, are now the first brothers in NBA history to each receive a contract worth over $100 million. Amen recently signed his own five-year, $208 million rookie extension with the Rockets, bringing their combined total earnings this offseason to $363 million.
While negotiating Thompson's deal, Pistons president of basketball operations Trajan Langdon has also been engaged in discussions with other priority players, including restricted free agent Jalen Duren. The Pistons have reportedly offered Duren a contract in the range of more than $190 million, though both sides remain