Daniss Jenkins has had a great start to the season, and though I don’t want to jinx him with too much praise, a breakout year from him will give the Detroit Pistons plenty to think about next summer.
Jenkins is averaging 12.7 points, 4.7 assists and 3.6 rebounds while shooting 43 percent from long range, and he’s been even better as a starter.
Those are the kinds of numbers the Pistons were hoping for, and if Jenkins keeps this up for the full season, he’s going to get a raise at the end of it, either from Detroit or someone else.
Daniss Jenkins as a restricted free agent
Hitting on a guy like Jenkins is crucial in the tax apron era, as it allows teams to invest more money at the top of the payroll while keeping a deep roster.
Jenkins is making just $4 million this season, so it’s safe to say he’s outplayed his contract so far. He’ll be a restricted free agent at the end of the season, so the Pistons will retain team control, but that doesn’t mean they’ll be able to keep Jenkins in Detroit.
Half the league is projected to have cap space next offseason (that will change) and though I am sure the Pistons would love to keep Jenkins around, there is a number they probably wouldn't match if some team in need of a guard comes calling with an offer sheet.
The Pistons also have Paul Reed to consider, as he’s another underpaid player who will be due for a raise. Reed has proven himself to be one of the most reliable backup bigs in the league, and he’ll be unrestricted, so the Pistons will have to pay up to keep him.
That could put the squeeze on money for Jenkins, and unlike Reed, Jenkins has a player behind him still on a rookie deal.
Ebuka Okorie complicates the Daniss Jenkins issue
Detroit has rookie Ebuka Okorie itching to get off the bench, and he’ll get his chance, it just won’t be for the Pistons, as he was just sent to the G-League.
His development and contributions this season (whatever they may be) will help inform the Pistons’ decision on whether to keep Jenkins. It’s not one or the other necessarily, as Jenkins is better as a two-guard who isn’t always the primary initiator.
If the Pistons envision Jenkins as part of the long-term plans, they could give him a modest raise (in the Kevin Huerter range) and keep him around, but that will depend a lot on how the rest of the league views him.
Jenkins having a breakout season might cause a contract headache down the road, but it’s a good problem to have, as he is currently providing value production that exceeds his deal.
Add us as a preferred source on Google