Signs are pointing to the Detroit Pistons offering franchise guard Cade Cunningham a max extension soon, via James Edwards III of the Athletic. The terms for the expected offer are a five year $226 million extension. In a mailbag article, Edwards spoke on the likeliness of a new deal.

“I’m 99.9 percent sure that Cunningham gets an extension this offseason,” Edwards wrote. “I don’t want to say 100 percent because you never know what can happen, but I’d be stunned if the 2021 No. 1 overall pick doesn’t sign a max rookie extension.”

Through all of the turmoil that surrounds the Pistons' franchise, the progression of Cunningham is easily one of their brightest spots. The 2021 number one overall pick is coming off career high numbers last season averaging 22.7 points and 7.5 assists. His efficiency also showed a favorable increase shooting 45% from the field, 35.5% from three, and 87% from the free throw line.

Pistons building around Cade Cunningham

Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) drives to the basket against Washington Wizards forward Corey Kispert (24) during the third quarter at Capital One Arena.
Reggie Hildred-USA TODAY Sports

One of the biggest concerns for the Pistons last season was the health and durability of Cunningham. After missing the majority of 2022-23 due to a shin injury, the Detroit guard bounced back playing 62 games.

The spike in production was one of the most optimistic signs of a troubling season for Detroit. The Pistons finished 2023-24 with a league and all-time franchise worst 14-68 record. Detroit struggled to build consistency and winning patterns on their way to their last place finish.

New leadership is officially in place after hiring Trajan Langdon as the Pistons' President of Basketball Operations. Working towards a max extension for Cunningham is likely one of the biggest priorities this offseason. They are also reportedly going over the layout of the coaching staff led by head coach Monty Williams after last season's problems.

Langdon has experience with adding quality supporting talent around a franchise player. In his previous role as the General Manager for the New Orleans Pelicans, the front office successfully provided complementary pieces around franchise forward Zion Williamson. In the most healthy season of his career with the most roster help he has ever had, New Orleans finished 49-33 which was a franchise best since becoming the Pelicans.