Earn an extra $48 million? Duren could become the biggest beneficiary of Cunningham's injury: potential All-NBA selection

On March 21 Beijing time, Cunningham was diagnosed with pneumothorax and will be reevaluated after two weeks, but reevaluation does not mean he will return immediately. Cunningham may still fail to meet the 65-game threshold for award eligibility, missing out on All-NBA and other annual honors.

Sports medicine expert Stotts indicated: players with pneumothorax average 26 days off, roughly missing 10.8 games. If the absence is prolonged, Cunningham will not meet the attendance criteria. Media pointed out that if Cunningham misses All-NBA, it might benefit his teammate Duren.

Duren made his first All-Star appearance this season and is a borderline candidate for All-NBA. With Cunningham out, one extra spot among the 15 All-NBA slots becomes available. Starting from the 2023-24 season, NBA removed position restrictions; All-NBA no longer separates guards, forwards, and centers. For restricted free agent Duren, an All-NBA selection would completely change his contract outlook.

Selected to All-NBA: can sign a max contract worth 30% of the salary cap

Not selected to All-NBA: can only sign a max contract worth 25% of the salary cap

Salary experts calculated the difference between the two contracts is nearly $50 million. The 30% share is projected as a 5-year $288.8 million deal, the 25% share: 5-year $240.7 million, with an estimated gap around $48 million.

Currently, the Pistons firmly hold the top spot in the Eastern Conference.Previously in the offseason, the Pistons had an opportunity to extend Duren early. At that time, Duren sought over $30 million annually, and negotiations broke down.Duren will become a restricted free agent this summer. Unexpectedly, Duren had a breakout season, earning an All-Star selection and becoming the top contender for Most Improved Player. Analysts noted: only the Pistons can offer Duren the 30% salary cap max; other teams can only offer up to 25% cap max.

This season so far, Duren averages 19.1 points, 10.6 rebounds, with a 64.1% field goal percentage.