The Detroit Pistons are solidifying their foundation by committing to a five-year, $226 million rookie max extension for point guard Cade Cunningham, as reported by Shams Charania of The Athletic. This significant deal will be finalized on July 6, once the NBA’s offseason moratorium period concludes.
Cade Cunningham, who celebrated his 22nd birthday earlier this year, had a stellar 2023-24 season, achieving career highs with averages of 22.7 points and 7.5 assists per game. This impressive performance followed a challenging 2022-23 season, where he was limited to just 12 games due to a stress fracture in his left shin that required surgical intervention.
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Drafted as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, Cunningham quickly demonstrated his prowess, earning a spot on the NBA All-Rookie team. His talent and potential have been unmistakable, and the Pistons view him as the linchpin of their rebuilding strategy.
Newly appointed Pistons president Trajan Langdon has expressed his dedication to building the team around Cunningham. During his introductory press conference on June 21, Langdon lauded Cunningham’s character and maturity, highlighting his impressive stats and growth potential. “Cade is a high-character individual, mature beyond his years, and an exceptional basketball player,” Langdon stated. “We’re committed to surrounding him with the right pieces to support his development.”
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In addition to securing Cunningham, the Pistons have revamped their coaching staff, hiring J.B. Bickerstaff on a four-year contract. This strategic move indicates a fresh direction for the franchise, which has struggled to achieve success in recent years, not surpassing 23 wins in a season since 2018-19.
With Cunningham’s extension and Bickerstaff’s appointment, the Pistons are clearly focused on building a competitive team that maximizes Cunningham’s abilities. The new leadership is determined to create a supportive environment that enhances his growth and leads the team back to NBA prominence.
This substantial financial commitment to Cunningham underscores the Pistons’ confidence in his potential to become a superstar in the league. As Detroit looks ahead, the team and its fans are optimistic that this new era, led by Cunningham and Bickerstaff, will usher in sustained success and a return to playoff contention.
