“High-character human being, mature beyond his years and a big time basketball player at a young age”, says Detroit Pistons’ new president Trajan Langdon about Cade Cunningham. He has quickly become a cornerstone for the Pistons, and captivated fans with his playmaking and on-court leadership. While his talent is unquestionable, the details of his contract reveal just how much his team believes in him. Let’s break it all down.

What is Cade Cunningham’s contract with the Detroit Pistons?

For the 2024-2025 season, Cade Cunningham is set to earn $13.94 million as part of his deal, which the Detroit Pistons extended through a team option. But the real story lies in what comes next. In the summer of 2024, Cunningham signed a five-year rookie max extension valued at $224 million. That figure could climb as high as $269 million if Cunningham makes an All-NBA team, qualifying him for a supermax contract.

Starting in the 2025-2026 season, his annual salary jumps significantly, beginning at $38.66 million and rising each year. By the 2029-2030 season, Cunningham could be earning over $51 million annually, cementing him as one of the highest-paid players in the league. The Pistons’ decision to offer such a lucrative deal reflects their commitment to building the team’s future around the point guard.

What was Cade Cunningam’s rookie contract? How much has he earned over the years in the NBA?

Before this extension, Cunningham was playing on his rookie contract—a four-year, $45.6 million deal which he signed after being drafted first overall in 2021. Over the past three seasons, he has earned approximately $31.6 million. His rookie contract provided the Pistons with immense value, considering his contributions to the team.

Now, entering the final year of that deal, Cunningham’s salary for the 2024-2025 season will be $13.94 million, a significant increase from the $11 million he made in 2023-2024. Once his extension kicks in, those numbers will skyrocket, aligning his earnings with his growing impact on the court.

The Pistons’ faith in Cunningham goes beyond just his contract value. Detroit’s front office has made it clear they’re building their future around him. His contract not only locks him in as the face of the franchise but also signals Detroit’s belief in his ability to lead them to success. As the Pistons work to turn things around, all eyes will remain on their young star to see how far he can take them.