Cade Cunningham is on the rise as one of the best guards in the NBA, as he played a major role in bringing the Detroit Pistons back into relevance.
His remarkable efforts have paved the way for him to sign a massive contract extension. As a result, it makes him one of the highest-paid players in the league.
Cade Cunningham’s Current Contract and Salary
Cunningham is making over $46 million for the 2025-26 NBA season under his current contract, per Basketball Reference. It marks the first year of a five‑year, $224 million contract extension he signed with the Pistons in July 2024.
There are no team or player options in the deal, meaning he will be an unrestricted free agent in the 2030 offseason unless he signs another contract with Detroit.
Cunningham began his NBA career after the Pistons selected him first overall in the 2021 draft. Having navigated inconsistencies and injuries in his first two seasons, the young guard has turned a massive corner, significantly improving to become one of the top players in the league.
The Pistons were going through a rebuild when they drafted Cunningham, last making the playoffs in 2019. They have since been in the lottery, staying there until Cunningham led them to the playoffs in 2025. He earned his first All-Star selection and landed on the All-NBA third team thanks to his efforts last season.
What Lies Ahead for Cunningham and Pistons?
Cunningham certainly deserves the max contract extension after bringing the Pistons back into relevance. Having obtained the second All-Star selection of his career, he might be leading the team for a deep playoff run if he and the squad continue their remarkable performances.
Cunningham is on pace for a first or second All-NBA selection with how excellent he has been playing this season. He is averaging 25.3 points, 9.6 assists, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game throughout 47 appearances. He is shooting 46.2% from the field, including 33% from beyond the arc, and 80.8% from the free-throw line.
Detroit boasts a 40-13 record at the moment and controls the top spot in the Eastern Conference standings. They are above the Boston Celtics by 5.5 games and the Knicks by six games. The Pistons are closing in on their second consecutive playoff berth, hoping to get past the first round for the first time since 2008.
Rolling with three consecutive wins, the Pistons are currently on break due to the upcoming festivities of All-Star Weekend. They will resume play during a two-game road trip, facing the Knicks on Feb. 19 at 7:30 p.m. ET and the Chicago Bulls on Feb. 21 at 8 p.m. ET.
