At some point this season, the Detroit Pistons are likely to convert Daniss Jenkins to a full-time contract, but it doesn’t have to happen right away.
This seems like a no-brainer move, as Jenkins has been important for the Pistons, especially with their recent rash of injuries.
The move was complicated somewhat by the baffling decision not to cut Isaac Jones, as the Pistons don’t currently have a roster spot for Jenkins to slot into.
Jenkins must be converted before he plays 50 games for the Pistons, otherwise, he won’t be eligible to appear in the playoffs, but the Pistons have good reason not to make this move until after the trade deadline.
The Detroit Pistons are keeping their options open as the trade deadline approaches
The NBA trade deadline is February 6th, so it is less than a month away, but the Detroit Pistons still have time with Daniss Jenkins
Jenkins won’t hit the 50-game mark until February 25th, and that’s if he plays in every game between now and then, so by then, the trade deadline will have come and gone.
If the Pistons make some kind of consolidation trade as many expect, they could very well have an open roster spot for Jenkins once the dust settles, as they would likely have to send out multiple players to add anyone of note.
Isaac Jones’ contract could end up being valuable in this regard, as it would allow the Pistons to add another $1.95 million to match salaries without sending out a player they are counting on, as he has only played one minute this season even with all of the injuries.
Jenkins has clearly been important for the Pistons this season even though it’s been a bit of a roller coaster for him as a scorer. He has stepped up and won them games, so even if he doesn’t end up playing a role in the playoffs, it will be good to have him on board as a guy they know they can trust in a pinch.
This is especially true while Jaden Ivey is still trying to get back to form and as the Pistons continue to struggle to find secondary ball handling when Cade Cunningham is out or on the bench.
Even if the Pistons don’t make some kind of consolidation trade, it’s hard to imagine a scenario in which Jenkins doesn’t eventually get converted, even if that means waiving someone else. That could include just eating the rest of Jones’ salary or even doing something more drastic like cutting Bobi Klintman.
Jenkins has likely earned a spot on this roster moving forward, but the Pistons don’t have to convert him until they see how things shake out at the trade deadline.