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.

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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).

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Thompson and the Pistons beat the 6 p.m. ET, Oct. 19 deadline to sign a rookie extension. He will make $11.1 million in his fourth season to complete his four-year, $36.2 million rookie contract.

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Thompson’s new contract kicks in for the 2027-28 season and ends in 2032, and will play him $31 million per season. NBA contracts are guaranteed, unless otherwise stipulated.

Ausar Thompson stats in NBA with Pistons

Thompson’s per-game averages and stats during the 2025-26 regular season:

• 52.5% field goals (7.9 attempts – 303-for-577)

• 25% 3-pointers (0.3 attempts – 6-for-24)

• 57.1% free throws (2.6 attempts – 109-for-191)

• 54.5% true shooting percentage

Thompson was the leader of the league’s No. 2 defense, which forced more turnovers and blocked more shots per game than any other team.

Ausar Thompson playoff stats

Thompson’s per game averages and stats during the 2025-26 playoffs:

• 50.5% field goals (6.9 attempts – 49-for-97)

• 14.3% 3-pointers (0.5 attempts – 1-for-7)

• 51.6% free throws (2.2 attempts – 16-for-31)

• 52% true shooting percentage

Ausar Thompson draft pick

Thompson was drafted by then-Pistons general manager Troy Weaver in 2023 at No. 5 overall out of Overtime Elite in Atlanta – at the time, a new professional basketball league for up-and-coming prospects aged 16-20.

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Ausar Thompson height and weight

Thompson, born Jan. 30, 1993, in San Leandro, California, will turn 24 years old on Jan. 30, 2026. His height is listed at 6 feet 7 in shoes, his weight is listed at 205 pounds and he measured with a 7-foot wingspan at the 2023 NBA Draft Combine. His twin brother, Amen, plays for the Houston Rockets.

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Contact Omari Sankofa II at [email protected]. Follow him on X and/or Bluesky.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Pistons lock up core player, sign F Ausar Thompson to 5-year extension