Daniss Jenkins has made things interesting in Detroit.
The two-way guard, who’s carved out a real role for himself in the Pistons’ rotation, reportedly turned down a minimum-salary contract that would have locked him in for the rest of this season and next. According to league sources, the offer was on the table, but Jenkins opted to bet on himself - a bold move, but one that makes sense given the leverage he’s built.
Let’s break this down.
Jenkins has just three games of two-way eligibility left. That’s not a lot of runway.
And with the Pistons playing two more games before the trade deadline - and one on deadline day - the clock is ticking. Detroit has a decision to make, and fast.
They can either convert Jenkins to a full-time deal now, or risk losing him in the offseason when other teams, potentially with more cap space and clearer roles, could come calling. Jenkins knows that.
And he knows he’s playing well enough to warrant more than just a minimum deal - maybe even a multi-year guarantee. That’s the kind of leverage you earn, not ask for.
Detroit does have options. They’ve still got access to their bi-annual exception, a tool that could be used to sweeten the offer without compromising their long-term financial flexibility.
But that’s the balancing act here. Trajan Langdon and the front office have been clear: they want to stay nimble.
Committing long-term money to a role player - even one as promising as Jenkins - isn’t something they’re taking lightly.
Still, if the Pistons don’t make any significant moves at the deadline, they’ll need to create a roster spot another way. That could mean parting ways with someone like Isaac Jones or Bobi Klintman. Not ideal, but doable.
The most likely outcome? Jenkins gets a deal slightly above the minimum - a bump in pay that reflects his value without breaking the bank.
And honestly, that could end up being a steal. He’s shown he can contribute off the bench, and in this new era of cap constraints and tax aprons, low-cost, high-impact contracts are gold.
This situation adds an intriguing wrinkle to what’s otherwise shaping up to be a quiet trade deadline in Detroit. But quiet doesn’t mean inactive. Moves like this - small on the surface, but meaningful in the margins - are how smart teams build depth and stay competitive.
Bottom line: Jenkins has earned his moment. Now it’s on the Pistons to decide how much they’re willing to invest in it.