NBA

Cade Cunningham agrees to $224 million contract extension as Pistons’ wild offseason continues

Pistons guard Cade Cunningham agreed to a five-year, $224 million maximum rookie contract extension on Monday, his agents told ESPN.

The new deal could be worth up to $269 million if Cunningham — the No. 1 overall pick by Detroit in the 2021 NBA Draft — earns All-NBA honors next season.

Pistons president of basketball operations Trajan Langdon reportedly made the 22-year-old Cunningham’s extension a priority after he took over for Troy Weaver in June.

Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) brings the ball up court against the Washington Wizards during the third quarter at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2024.
Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) brings the ball up court against the Washington Wizards during the third quarter at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2024. Reggie Hildred-USA TODAY Sports

Cunningham’s deal was reached after the Pistons announced J.B. Bickerstaff as their new head coach on July 3.

Bickerstaff, who was fired after the Cavaliers’ East semifinals loss, replaced Monty Williams.

Williams was shockingly let go despite having more than $65 million left on his contract.

Williams took over for Dwane Casey, who was Cunningham’s first coach in Detroit.

However, the organization needed to a make change after a 14-win season, which resulted in the final No. 15 spot in the Eastern Conference — the NBA’s worst record.

Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) is defended by Memphis Grizzlies guard Jordan Goodwin during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, April 1, 2024, in Detroit.
Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) is defended by Memphis Grizzlies guard Jordan Goodwin during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, April 1, 2024, in Detroit. AP

More changes followed in free agency as the Pistons started to reshape their roster to compliment Cunningham.

They added three-point shooting with the additions of guards Malik Beasley and Tim Hardaway Jr.

The Pistons and forward Tobias Harris — who averaged 17.2 points, 3.1 assists and 6.5 rebounds per game last season — agreed on a two-year deal earlier this week.

Cunningham is coming off a strong 2023 campaign, during which he averaged 22.7 points, 7.5 assists and shot 86.9 percent at the free-throw line.

The 6-foot-6 Oklahoma State product missed most of the 2022 season after undergoing surgery that December on his left shin.