Ausar Thompson's $155M Extension Highlights 2023 NBA Draft Class' Big Payday
Published · Updated
Cited: ESPN, CBS Sports, Detroit Free Press
TL;DR
Detroit Pistons forward Ausar Thompson signed a five-year, $155 million rookie extension, joining his twin brother Amen as the first brothers to each get $100M+ NBA deals. 5 million extension, and the 2023 draft class continues to cash in with more big paydays on the horizon.
Why now
Multiple 2023 first-round picks are reaching rookie-scale extension deadlines this offseason. Ausar Thompson and Keyonte George both agreed to deals on September 18, following Amen Thompson and Victor Wembanyama. The market is heating up for young stars.
Agree / conflict
Some analysts believe Thompson's contract is a steal given his All-Defensive status and postseason numbers, while others point to his limited offensive ceiling and past blood clot issue as potential concerns.
Takeaway
Teams are willing to hand out nine-figure extensions to defensive specialists from the 2023 class. The Pistons locked up a cornerstone, while the Jazz bet on George's scoring upside.
Detroit Pistons forward Ausar Thompson agreed to a fully guaranteed five-year, $155 million rookie-scale extension, making him the latest member of the 2023 draft class to cash in. 0 steals per game last season, finishing third in Defensive Player of the Year voting. 8 blocks in 14 playoff games.
Thompson and his twin brother Amen (who signed a $208 million extension with the Rockets) are now the first brothers in NBA history to each receive a $100 million contract. Combined, the Thompson twins secured $363 million in extensions this offseason. 5 million deal on the same day, while the Pistons continue negotiations with Jalen Duren on a $190 million contract.
The 2023 draft class is seeing a historic wave of rookie extensions, with Victor Wembanyama and Scoot Henderson still to negotiate. Next up could be Hornets forward Brandon Miller, who is projected for a potential $200 million max deal. The trend reflects a league increasingly willing to pay young talent early, especially those with elite defensive or two-way skills.
FAQ
What is the value of Ausar Thompson's extension?
Five years, $155 million fully guaranteed, starting in the 2027-28 season.
Why did Thompson's deal come after a health scare?
Thompson was diagnosed with a blood clot in March 2024, but was cleared by the NBA's fitness-to-play panel and returned to action. His extension reflects his elite defensive impact and postseason performance.
Who from the 2023 draft class is likely to sign next?
Brandon Miller (Hornets) is the top candidate for a $200 million extension. Others to watch: Cason Wallace (Thunder), Anthony Black (Magic), and Bilal Coulibaly (Wizards).
How much did the Thompson twins sign for combined?
Ausar ($155M) and Amen Thompson ($208M) signed for a total of $363 million in rookie extensions this offseason.
What does this mean for the Pistons' future?
Locking up Thompson gives Detroit a defensive anchor and a key piece alongside Cade Cunningham. The team is also pursuing Jalen Duren for a potential $190M+ deal.
Sources
Canonical URL: /trend/2026/ausar-thompson-s-155m-extension-highlights-2023-nba-draft-class-big-payday
Disclaimer
Digests summarize public sources. They are not advice, forecasts, or a complete record of every trend.
This digest was compiled by Yanuki using publicly available data and trending information. The content may summarize or reference third-party sources that have not been independently verified. While we aim to provide timely and accurate insights, the information presented may be incomplete or outdated.
All content is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or professional advice. Yanuki makes no representations or warranties regarding the reliability or completeness of the information.
This digest may include links to external sources for further context. These links are provided for convenience only and do not imply endorsement.
Always do your own research (DYOR) before making any decisions based on the information presented.