Detroit Pistons Players Salary: Cade Cunningham’s $12M Rookie Deal Powers Young Rebuild

Detroit operates with approximately $148 million in payroll focused on youth development. Cade Cunningham leads the roster at $12.1 million through his final rookie-scale year before massive extension kicks in.

Tobias Harris ($26M), Jaden Ivey ($7.9M), and Jalen Duren ($5.6M) form the developing core. Tim Hardaway Jr. ($16M) and Malik Beasley ($6M) provide veteran shooting as Detroit builds around young talent after years of lottery finishes.

Explore the Detroit Pistons players biography and net worth by clicking on their name.

Detroit Pistons Top 10 Highest-Paid Players

Harris earns $26 million through his two-year, $52 million deal signed in July 2024. The veteran forward’s leadership and scoring provide stability for Detroit’s young roster.

Hardaway makes $16M offering veteran shooting as salary ballast expiring after this season.

Cunningham collected $12.1 million in his rookie-scale contract’s final year before his five-year, $224 million extension kicks in. His development as franchise cornerstone justified max investment. Ivey earned $7.9 million as 2022 fifth pick showing explosive athleticism.

Duren makes $5.6 million providing rim protection and rebounding as 2022 13th pick. His defensive potential creates long-term center solution. Stewart collected $15 million through his four-year, $60 million extension offering physical interior defense.

Cade Cunningham’s Extension Creates Future Cap Challenges

Cunningham earns $12.1 million completing his rookie-scale deal before his five-year, $224 million designated max extension begins in 2025-26. The former No. 1 overall pick’s playmaking and scoring justify maximum investment as Detroit’s franchise centerpiece.

His extension averages $44.9 million annually representing Detroit’s bet on All-NBA potential. Cunningham’s development determines Detroit’s rebuild timeline and playoff ceiling. His health concerns including shin injuries create risk but talent justifies maximum commitment.

The extension locks Cunningham through 2029 providing stability Detroit lacked for decades. His partnership with Ivey and Duren creates young core capable of sustained success if development continues.

Tobias Harris Net Worth and Veteran Salaries

Harris accumulated $218 million building a $138 million net worth across Orlando, Detroit, LA Clippers, Philadelphia, and back to Detroit spanning 13 seasons. His consistency earned multiple max-level contracts though All-Star appearances eluded him.

Hardaway earned $168 million creating a $105 million fortune across New York, Dallas, and Detroit. His father’s NBA legacy and elite shooting justified long career earnings. Beasley collected $88 million building a $54 million net worth across six teams providing instant offense.

Stewart earned $32 million building an $18 million net worth. Cunningham collected $52 million creating a $30 million fortune with extension guaranteeing future wealth. Ivey accumulated $18 million building an $11 million net worth by age 22.

Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren Provide Rookie-Scale Value

Ivey earns just $7.9 million averaging 17.6 points with explosive athleticism. His rookie-scale contract runs through 2026 with team option before extension eligibility. Ivey’s scoring punch alongside Cunningham creates dynamic backcourt potential at combined $20M cost.

Duren makes $5.6 million emerging as starting center with double-double capability. His rebounding and rim protection exceed expectations as 2022 first-round pick. Duren’s team option year creates extension decision in 2025 with early deal securing cost certainty.

Ausar Thompson collected $4.9 million as 2023 fifth pick showing defensive versatility. Ron Holland earned $5.9 million as 2024 fifth pick representing continued lottery investment. Detroit’s young talent on rookie deals allows veteran spending flexibility.

Pistons Position Spending During Rebuild Phase

Detroit allocated $61 million to forwards—41% of total payroll. Harris ($26M), Stewart ($15M), and Fontecchio ($8M) lead frontcourt spending. The Pistons prioritize size and physicality rebuilding post-Bad Boys era identity.

Guards consumed $56 million with Cunningham ($12.1M), Ivey ($7.9M), Hardaway ($16M), and Beasley ($6M).

Centers cost $21 million with Stewart and Duren splitting rim protection duties. Detroit’s balanced spending reflects no single max player before Cunningham’s extension.

Isaiah Stewart Extension Locks Interior Presence

Stewart earns $15 million through his four-year, $60 million extension signed in October 2023. The physical center/power forward’s defensive intensity and rebounding justify investment despite offensive limitations.

His contract represents reasonable bet on defense-first big man who shoots threes. Stewart’s versatility playing center or power forward creates lineup flexibility. Detroit secured starting-caliber frontcourt presence avoiding expensive restricted free agency bidding.

Simone Fontecchio makes $8 million through his two-year, $16 million deal providing Italian sharpshooter off bench. His below-market contract gives Detroit floor spacing without long-term commitment.

FAQs

Who is Detroit Pistons’ highest-paid player?

Tobias Harris earns $26 million through his two-year, $52 million deal signed in July 2024 providing veteran leadership for young roster.

What is Cade Cunningham’s extension worth?

Cunningham signed a five-year, $224 million designated max extension beginning in 2025-26 after completing his $12.1 million rookie-scale deal.

How much does Jalen Duren make?

Duren earns $5.6 million on rookie-scale contract through 2026 with team option providing exceptional rim protection value before extension eligibility.

Does Detroit have cap space for free agents?

Detroit maintains flexibility with expiring contracts (Hardaway $16M, Beasley $6M) creating potential $50+ million cap space for 2025 free agency signings.