The star guard for the Detroit Pistons, Cade Cunningham, is signing a five-year, $226 million max rookie extension to stay with the team. Shams Charania and James Edwards from The Athletic announce a major deal that will keep the 2020 No. 1 overall pick in Detroit until the end of the decade.
Bouncing Back Strong
Although he missed a majority of the 2022-23 season because of an injury, Cunningham made a strong comeback in the 2023-24 season. His average per game was 22.7 points, 7.5 assists, and 4.3 rebounds. Regrettably, the Pistons faced difficulties, achieving just 14 wins and ending the season with the lowest record in the NBA.
Comparing Contracts
It is worth noting that Cunningham’s contract is significant, but it is less than the reported $270 million deal signed by Scottie Barnes, the 4th overall pick in the 2020 draft. The distinction can be found in the Rose Rule elevators. If certain accomplishments are met, such as being named to an All-NBA Team, winning Defensive Player of the Year, or MVP, these escalators have the potential to increase a player’s contract by up to $44 million. Current reports indicate that Barnes has escalators in his contract, whereas Cade Cunningham does not.
A Team in Transition
The Pistons are in the middle of a rebuild that began before Cade Cunningham joined and has progressed with major changes this summer. Trajan Langdon, the newly appointed top basketball executive, terminated head coach Monty Williams and brought on board J.B. Bickerstaff, former coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers, as Cunningham’s third head coach in four seasons.
Building Around Cunningham
Detroit’s upcoming task is to build a roster that enhances Cunningham’s skills. The present lineup is having difficulties with shooting from beyond the arc, which is crucial to enhance Cunningham’s impact. Including additional players who are good at shooting will be crucial, particularly because Cunningham is strong in different skill sets despite being a good shooter.
During the offseason, Detroit signed their most skilled young player for an extended time. Now, attention turns to forming a united and successful team with Cunningham at the center. The Pistons have initiated their rebuilding process by securing Cade Cunningham contract extension, and the success of their future relies on their ability to nurture and advance their star guard.
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