Cade Cunningham just locked in a massive deal with the Detroit Pistons, cementing his place as their franchise cornerstone through 2029-30. The agreement, valued at a jaw-dropping $224 million over five years, kicks in starting from the 2025-26 season. What's really exciting is that Cade could potentially rake in an additional $45 million through performance-based bonuses this season, marking the end of his original rookie contract from 2021. This early extension was made possible thanks to a rule in the NBA's Collective Bargaining Agreement, giving teams the chance to secure their budding stars a year ahead of restricted free agency.
This new contract averages out to an impressive $44.8 million annually, but here's where it gets even more intriguing: if Cade meets specific criteria defined by the league, he could upgrade to a supermax contract. That means even more moolah flowing his way. But what exactly does he need to do? Well, making an All-NBA team next season is the ticket. That's no small feat—it's reserved for the top 15 players in the league, so the pressure's on for Cunningham to keep shining on the court.
Speaking of shining, let's break down the numbers. Last season, Cade put up some serious stats: averaging 22.7 points, 7.5 assists, and 4.3 rebounds per game with solid shooting percentages. The dude's been shooting 44.9% overall and hitting 35.5% from downtown. Now, to hit that supermax, he'll also need to clock in at least 65 games—a milestone he's been flirting with but hasn't quite nailed down yet. It's a challenge, but one he's clearly gearing up to conquer.
Now, let's compare notes. Look at Anthony Edwards over in Minnesota and Desmond Bane in Memphis. Both from the same draft class as Cade, both got their max rookie extensions. But Edwards' deal? That's a whopping $260 million over five years, thanks to making second-team All-NBA last season. Meanwhile, Bane's sitting pretty with $207 million. See the difference? Individual achievements really do pay off big time in the NBA.
For Detroit, this move is a big deal too. Cade Cunningham isn't just another player; he's the first Pistons' first-round pick since Andre Drummond to ink a rookie extension with the team. It's a sign of commitment from both sides, showing Detroit's faith in Cunningham's potential to lead them back to greatness.
Financially, this deal doesn't just benefit Cade—it also keeps the Pistons competitive in the free agency market. With around $12 million left in cap space this offseason (even after picking up Paul Reed from waivers), Detroit's still got room to maneuver. That's crucial for bolstering the roster around Cunningham, ensuring they're not just paying big bucks for one player but setting themselves up to build a winning team.
So, how does Cade Cunningham get paid more? By continuing to excel on the court, meeting the criteria for that supermax contract, and elevating the Pistons to new heights. It's a win-win situation: he gets the big bucks, and Detroit gets a shot at reclaiming its former glory.
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