Guard Cade Cunningham of the Detroit Pistons has signed to a rookie contract worth up to $269 million, with a maximum value of $224 million, according to an ESPN report on Tuesday from his representatives, Jeff Schwartz and James Dunleavy of Excel Basketball.
According to insiders, Cunningham, the team’s first pick in the 2021 NBA draft, has the potential to increase his contract to 30% of the salary cap if he is selected to the All-NBA squad the following season.
After taking over the position a few weeks ago, Pistons president of basketball operations Trajan Langdon made Cunningham’s contract a top priority. He and Schwartz and Dunleavy came to an agreement on Tuesday.
Cunningham had a fantastic 2023–2024 season despite the Pistons’ historically high loss total, having missed the most of his second season due to a stress fracture in his left leg. He shot 86.9 percent from the free throw line and averaged 22.7 points and 7.5 assists a game.
Cunningham, who according to Second Spectrum was in the top 10 in terms of average touch length, dribbles per touch, on-ball screens deployed, and drives per game, was the main man on the offensive line.
J.B. Bickerstaff will be Cunningham’s third coach in three seasons this year. He has performed for Dwane Casey and Monty Williams as well.