Pistons lock up core player, sign F Ausar Thompson to 5-year extension

The Detroit Pistons have locked up one of their core players.

Just not the one people thought would sign first.

The Pistons and Ausar Thompson agreed on a five-year contract extension worth $155 million on Friday, Sept. 18, a person with knowledge of the deal confirmed to the Detroit Free Press, part of the USA TODAY Network. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the extension has not yet been announced publicly.

The deal, which does not have any opt-outs, kicks in next season and secures Thompson's future with the team that drafted him fifth overall in 2023.

Thompson took another step in 2025-26, his third NBA season. His otherworldly defense was validated during awards season. He finished third in Defensive Player of the Year voting, behind two centers – winner Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren. Thompson was later named to the All-Defensive first team, becoming the first Pistons player to receive the honor since Ben Wallace in 2005-06.

The Pistons start the NBA regular season Tuesday, Oct. 20, in the at home against the Boston Celtics (3 p.m. ET on NBC/Peacock).

Thompson and the Pistons beat the 6 p.m. ET, Oct. 19 deadline to sign a rookie extension.

Original source: https://www.usatoday.com/sports/