Since drafting him with the No. 1 pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, Cade Cunningham has been tremendous for the Detroit Pistons. In his career so far, the Texas native is averaging 20 points per game, 4.3 rebounds per game, and 7.5 assists per game. Additionally, he is shooting 43.2% from the field and 32.9% from beyond the arc. Cunningham has finished as a top-two scorer for the Pistons in each of his first three years, leading the team in scoring during the 2023-24 season. Despite the Pistons’ shortcomings over the last few seasons, Cunningham has looked like a future All-Star. And according to James L. Edwards III of The Athletic, the Pistons will likely sign the 22-year-old to a contract extension this summer to keep him around for the long haul.
“I’m 99.9 percent sure that Cunningham gets an extension this offseason. I don’t want to say 100 percent because you never know what can happen, but I’d be stunned if the 2021 No. 1 overall pick doesn’t sign a max rookie extension.”
REPORT: Detroit Pistons Expected to Extend Rising Star
Detroit Pistons Eying Multiple Veterans to Pair With Cade Cunningham
Heading into the 2024 NBA offseason, the Pistons are projected to have around $64.4 million in cap space. This is the highest mark of all NBA teams. With a lot of spending money, it would make sense for the Pistons to go big and bring in some key players to help boost the roster. A few months ago, reports suggested the Pistons are pursuing a reunion with wing Tobias Harris.
“The power forward’s tenure with the 76ers is expected to end once their postseason run concludes. Several NBA executives believe there’s a chance he’ll land with the Detroit Pistons in free agency.”
Furthermore, more recently, Edwards reported the Pistons are expected to pursue Malik Monk, Nic Claxton, and Gary Harris this offseason.
“As for other realistic free-agent options, I think Detroit goes heavily after the likes of Malik Monk, Nic Claxton and Gary Harris. Monk feels like someone the Pistons will heavily prioritize due to the team’s need for legitimate 3-point shooting and off-the-dribble shot creation.”
With the NBA Finals still ongoing, the offseason has not begun yet. However, it is noteworthy that the Pistons are showing interest in many free agents. They have not made it to the playoffs since 2018-19 and have not won a playoff game since 2007-08. Additionally, the Pistons have not had a winning record since 2015-16. To move up the standings, they must be aggressive this offseason. And according to recent reports, new Pistons GM Trajan Langdon appears ready to do so.
The Last Word on Cade Cunningham
Cunningham has improved every year of his NBA career. Extending him to a long-term contract is in Detroit’s best interest. In his three-year career, Cunningham has looked like one of the league’s brightest stars. It seems inevitable the 22-year-old will earn an All-Star selection at some point soon. By signing him to an extension, Cunningham becomes the face of the Pistons’ franchise. And with how well he has played so far, it is a deserving honor for the guard.
