Daniss Jenkins Turns Down Pistons’ Minimum Deal, Eyes Bigger Role-and Bigger Payday
Daniss Jenkins is betting on himself-and it’s hard to argue with the move.
The 24-year-old guard, currently on a two-way contract with the Detroit Pistons, recently declined a two-year, minimum-salary offer from the team. That deal would’ve locked him in through the end of the 2026-27 season, but Jenkins is holding out for more. And based on how he’s played this year, he just might get it.
Jenkins is nearing the 50-game limit for two-way players, with only three games left before he’ll need to be converted to a standard NBA contract if he’s going to remain active. That moment is coming fast-especially after Detroit’s win over Golden State on Friday pushed him closer to the cap.
But don’t mistake his decision to pass on the minimum offer as a sign of friction. According to reports, there’s still optimism that Jenkins and the Pistons will find common ground on a more lucrative deal.
Think something in the neighborhood of what Ajay Mitchell got from the Thunder (three years, $9 million) or what Miles McBride secured with the Knicks (four years, $12 million). Both are young guards who, like Jenkins, carved out meaningful roles and earned multi-year commitments.
To get there, though, Detroit will have to dip into its bi-annual exception. The team already used its full non-taxpayer mid-level exception to bring in Caris LeVert during the offseason, so they’ll need to be strategic about how they structure any new deal for Jenkins.
If no agreement is reached soon, Jenkins is expected to draw multi-year offers in restricted free agency this summer. The Pistons would retain the right to match any offer sheet, but that could come at a higher price tag if Jenkins continues to perform.
And he’s certainly earned the attention. In 39 games this season, Jenkins has averaged 7.7 points, 3.4 assists, 1.7 rebounds and nearly a steal per game-all in just 16.7 minutes a night.
He’s shooting a respectable 41.8% from the field, 38.6% from three, and nearly 79% from the line. More than just a numbers guy, Jenkins has made his presence felt with timely buckets and strong perimeter defense, earning a steady spot in Detroit’s rotation.
But here’s the catch: the Pistons’ standard roster is full. To convert Jenkins from a two-way to a standard deal, they’ll need to open up a spot.
That’s where the timing gets interesting. Detroit has reportedly been eyeing the February 5 trade deadline as a pivot point, potentially waiting to make moves that could free up both roster and cap flexibility.
Jenkins’ promotion could be part of that post-deadline reshuffling.
As for the broader picture, the Pistons have made it clear they’re not planning to swing for the fences at the deadline. But they’re still doing their homework.
According to league chatter, Detroit has kicked the tires on scoring wings like Michael Porter Jr. from Brooklyn and Miles Bridges from Charlotte. Nothing appears imminent, but the asking prices are steep-Charlotte reportedly wants at least one first-round pick for Bridges, while Brooklyn is believed to be seeking even more for Porter.
For now, the focus in Detroit is on internal growth and smart roster management. Jenkins, with his blend of poise, production, and upside, is right at the center of that plan. He’s shown he belongs-and now it’s just a matter of what the Pistons are willing to pay to keep him in the fold.