Cade Cunningham is set to sign a max rookie contract extension as he is seen as the cornerstone of the Detroit Pistons rebuild.
There are a lot of uncertainties surrounding the Michigan based team, but one thing is almost a given. Their star point guard is staying. The plan is for him to sign a max rookie contract which James Edwards III of the “Athletic” has confirmed.
“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.”
The proposed extension would be a five-year, $226 million deal, representing 25% of the salary cap, a figure that could increase if he earns All-NBA honors next season.
Cade Cunningham is seen as the cornerstone of the Pistons rebuild, though players like Jalen Duren and Ausar Thompson are emerging as potential key contributors. With ample cap space this offseason, the Pistons are in a prime position to acquire more talent. Rather than pursuing veterans, a strategic move might be to absorb a bad contract in exchange for first-round picks or promising young players, all in the effort to build a strong supporting cast around him.