DETROIT – The Detroit Pistons face a potentially significant financial and roster consequence stemming from the recent injury to All-Star guard Cade Cunningham. Cunningham, sidelined with a collapsed left lung sustained during a collision with Washington Wizards rookie Tre Johnson on March 17, is in a race against time to meet the NBA’s minimum game requirement for All-NBA Team consideration. The situation not only jeopardizes individual accolades for Cunningham but also carries an estimated $50 million impact on the future contract of teammate Jalen Duren, according to reports.
The injury occurred during the first quarter of the Pistons’ game against the Wizards at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. Initially diagnosed with back spasms, further testing revealed the severity of the injury – a collapsed lung. Cunningham is expected to be re-evaluated in two weeks, but currently, he has missed at least eight games and faces a challenge to reach the 65-game threshold needed for All-NBA eligibility.
The All-NBA teams, traditionally a marker of a player’s elite status, have evolved in recent years. The NBA eliminated positional restrictions for All-NBA voting beginning with the 2023-24 season, meaning the top 15 players regardless of position are now recognized. This change adds another layer of complexity to Cunningham’s situation, as his absence could open a door for others vying for a spot.
One player who could directly benefit from Cunningham’s absence is Pistons center Jalen Duren. Currently considered on the fringe of All-NBA contention, Duren’s chances increase significantly if Cunningham falls short of the 65-game mark. The financial implications are substantial.
Under the NBA’s current collective bargaining agreement, All-NBA selections unlock higher earning potential for players eligible for contract extensions. Specifically, a player named to an All-NBA team is eligible to sign a maximum contract worth up to 30% of the team’s salary cap. Without the All-NBA designation, that maximum drops to 25%. For Duren, the difference between those two figures is estimated to be around $50 million over the life of his next contract, according to Front Office Sports.
The Pistons, already without key large man Isaiah Stewart who is recovering from a left calf strain and will be re-evaluated next Tuesday, are navigating a challenging stretch. Ausar Thompson emphasized the necessitate for collective effort in Cunningham’s absence, stating the team must “move the ball a little more and know not one person could win it (on his own), but we all can collectively.”
Cunningham’s injury is a blow to his individual aspirations, as he was entering the conversation as a legitimate NBA MVP candidate. A league source described the collapsed lung as “mild,” but the recovery timeline remains uncertain. He opted to travel home by car from Washington, D.C. – a roughly 530-mile journey – rather than fly with the team to avoid the risks associated with air travel and changes in air pressure.
The Pistons’ immediate future hinges on their ability to navigate this adversity. The team’s depth will be tested and the performance of players like Duren will be under increased scrutiny. The impact of Cunningham’s absence extends beyond the court, potentially influencing the team’s long-term financial outlook and roster construction.
As of March 21, 2026, the Pistons are focused on supporting Cunningham’s recovery and maintaining a competitive edge in the Eastern Conference playoff race. The team has not announced a firm timeline for his return, but will continue to provide updates as they turn into available. The next scheduled game for the Pistons is against the [Opponent and Date to be added upon confirmation].
Fans can follow official updates on Cunningham’s condition and the Pistons’ schedule through the team’s official website and social media channels.
