On Sunday night, the Pistons finally signed guard Daniss Jenkins to a standard contract. Jenkins has been having a breakout season on his original two-way contract, but is clearly good enough for the NBA. It was a move that fans have expected for a while, and finally secures Jenkins’ talents for the upcoming postseason.
The Detroit Pistons are signing two-way guard Daniss Jenkins to a two-year contract, with a team option for 2026-27, sources tell ESPN. The Pistons and Jenkins' agent, Derek Jackson of UNLTD Sports Group, negotiated the new deal using part of the team's bi-annual exception. pic.twitter.com/05fNPuMQ5X
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 8, 2026
Daniss Jenkins has absolutely earned his new contact
Since going undrafted in the 2024 NBA Draft, Jenkins has worked his way up through the Pistons’ development program. Last season, he had a solid campaign for the Motor City Cruise in the G-League but took another step during the offseason. His improvements in every facet of the game have been clear whenever he takes the court this season.
The Pistons’ front office got a major win by guaranteeing his services for this year’s playoffs and next season - on a team option no less. That addition helps blunt the blow of an inactive trade deadline for Detroit. Even without making a huge trade, the Pistons have secured their backup point guard.
On the court, Jenkins’ impact has gone far beyond his numbers. He is averaging 8 points and 3 assists per game, adding almost a steal per game too. The stats don’t seem very impressive until you realize he’s only played 17 minutes per game.
Jenkins has shown the ability to step up when needed. In starts this season, he’s averaging 15 points and 7 assists per game. Most of his starts have come when the Pistons are missing significant chunks of their usual starting lineup.
Having Jenkins step up in shorthanded games has added to the Pistons’ depth and helped them get out to an incredible 38-12 record. He’s elevated his teammates by providing valuable playmaking and reliable shooting as a depth piece. His defensive energy and dogged playstyle are also infectious to the whole lineup.
Jenkins’ new standard contract made history as the largest amount ever for a two-way conversation, and rightfully so. He previously turned down a minimum deal from the Pistons, and now gets $8 million over two seasons. It’s still a bargain price for the Pistons if he can continue producing at his current level or even improve.
In today’s NBA, with the limitations of the current CBA, it’s more important than ever to develop young talent effectively. Having players contribute meaningfully on rookie contracts or two-way deals gives teams such a huge financial advantage. The Pistons and Jenkins himself deserve a ton of credit for his growth and finally making him an official part of the main roster.
Daniss Jenkins figures to be a major part of the Pistons’ roster going forward. At just 24 years of age, he’s still getting better but is already an ideal backup point guard. The Pistons are lucky to get him on such a great deal.