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DETROIT, MICHIGAN – FEBRUARY 24: Cade Cunningham #2 and Jalen Duren #0 of the Detroit Pistons celebrate a 106-97 win over the LA Clippers at Little Caesars Arena on February 24, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
The Detroit Pistons are already struggling to make up for Cade Cunningham’s absence, but it could hurt them in the long-term future as well. Cunningham will be out for at least two weeks with a left lung pneumothorax to hurt the rest of this season and the postseason run. However, another long-term impact could see Detroit forced to pay Jalen Duren more money due to the All-NBA selection process.
Front Office Sports reported the following:
“Colin Maher of CBAguide.com and Spotrac contributor Keith Smith tell Front Office Sports a max extension at 30% of the cap is projected to be worth around $288.8 million over five years. If Duren misses the All-NBA team, he’d be eligible for a max deal worth $240.7 million over five years, a $48.1 million difference.”
Duren’s chances at an All-NBA selection drastically improve with Cunningham potentially falling short of the minimum 65 games to qualify for awards. If voters opt to reward Duren for the Pistons’ success, his next contract will likely be larger due to the All-NBA bonus. Duran making an All-NBA team could see him making almost $10 more per season on his next deal.
Why Cunningham’s Injury Helps Duren’s Chances
Cunningham was a lock for the All-NBA team due to Detroit having such a great season as the current top seed in the Eastern Conference. MVP contention for Cunningham would have seen him likely getting selected to the first team as arguably the best point guard in the league this season.
Voters usually ensure a dominant regular season team gets rewarded with at least one and usually multiple All-NBA selections. Duren is getting a contract extension of some form this offseason as a major part of the franchise, but this could hurt the team’s salary cap plans.
Cunningham’s absence means that Duren is now the top Pistons player eligible for a spot on the All-NBA team. Voters wanting to ensure Detroit is represented will both make Duren’s season more memorable, but it also raises his next contract potential. Duren could luck out by ensuring his All-NBA season this year right before he enters free agency.
Why This Is Bad News For Detroit
Every NBA team is trying to navigate the salary cap by finding value contracts to help their roster. Duren would have received a nice contract extension offer either way, but this now sets the stage for him making almost $300 million over the five-year period.
The difference in $10 million per year would see the Pistons losing out on a good role player with the extra money that could potentially go to Duren. Both Cunningham and Duren would be relied on as being good enough together to lead Detroit to contention every season.
The Pistons already have some question marks about players like Tobias Harris and Duncan Robinson repeating their success from this season. A team in their first season of true title contention having to dedicate so much money to an extension could limit their future roster improvements. Voters will determine if Duren is able to get the extra money via All-NBA votes at the end of the regular season.
Joey Haverford Joey Haverford is a seasoned sports content writer with over 12 years of experience. He has covered the NBA, WNBA, MLB, NFL, and professional wrestling in the sports industry. More about Joey Haverford
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