Pistons sign Maxiell to four-year extension

Oct 30, 2008 - 10:40 PM AUBURN HILLS, Michigan (Ticker) -- The Detroit Pistons locked up forward Jason Maxiell for four more years on Thursday, keeping the former first-round pick signed through 2012, according to multiple published reports.

Maxiell, who was due to become a restricted free agent next summer, agreed to a four-year, $20 million deal on the NBA's deadline day for contract extensions.

The 25th overall pick out of Cincinnati in 2005, Maxiell has become a major component in the Pistons' rotation over the last year. A 6-7, 260-pound power forward, Maxiell set career highs with 7.9 points and 5.3 rebounds per game last season. He shot 54 percent from the field while playing all 82 games.

Both the Pistons' starting center, Rasheed Wallace, and top frontcourt reserve Antonio McDyess are 34 years old. Maxiell's signing gives the team some much-needed youth for the next few seasons.