Detroit Pistons Sign Jaden Akins to Exhibit 10 Contract

News Summary

The Detroit Pistons have signed former Michigan State guard Jaden Akins to an Exhibit 10 contract after he went undrafted in the 2025 NBA Draft. This contract secures his rights with the potential to join the Motor City Cruise in the NBA G League. Akins showcased improving stats during his college career, culminating in recognition on the All-Big Ten team during his senior year. The Pistons aim to build a competitive team by exploring collegiate talent, and Akins’ signing represents an opportunity for both him and the franchise.

Detroit, MI – The Detroit Pistons have signed former Michigan State guard Jaden Akins to an Exhibit 10 contract following his undrafted status in the 2025 NBA Draft. This contract allows the Pistons to secure Akins’ rights while potentially giving him the opportunity to play with their NBA G League affiliate, the Motor City Cruise.

Jaden Akins played four years at Michigan State, competing in the highly regarded Big Ten conference. In his freshman season, he averaged 14.8 minutes of play over 36 games, marking a solid start to his collegiate career. By his sophomore year, Akins transitioned to a starting role in 25 games, which doubled his playing time. During this season, he recorded an average of 9.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game, showing marked improvement. Akins showcased a shooting prowess, hitting 42% of his field goal attempts and a remarkable 42% from three-point range, averaging 3.9 shots per game.

His performance continued to improve in his junior season, where he averaged 10.4 points per game with a shooting accuracy of 41% from the field and 36% on 5.0 attempts from behind the arc. In his senior year, Akins further enhanced his scoring output to an average of 12.8 points per game, although his shooting percentage dipped to just under 40%. Notably, he attempted a career-high 5.4 three-pointers per game but faced challenges with his accuracy, making only 29% of those attempts. His efforts during his senior year were recognized as he was named to both the All-Big Ten team and the All-Big Ten All-Defense team.

Following his college career, Akins took to the court in the NBA Summer League with the Orlando Magic, where he played four games, averaging approximately 5.8 points and 1.8 steals in 13.9 minutes per game. Despite his undrafted status, he now has a path to potentially join the Motor City Cruise; however, it is expected that he will be waived by the Pistons. Should he participate with the G League affiliate for at least 60 days, he could earn a bonus of up to $85,300, providing a financial incentive as he continues his pursuit of a professional basketball career.

The Pistons, who finished the previous season ranked sixth in the Eastern Conference, reached the playoffs but were eliminated in the first round by the New York Knicks. In the 2025 NBA Draft, Detroit had limited options, securing only one pick. They chose Chaz Lanier from Tennessee, marking a pivotal moment in their roster development. Akins’ signing reflects the Pistons’ strategy to build a competitive team while exploring talent from the collegiate ranks, especially players who have shown promise during their time in college basketball.

As the Pistons move forward into the new season, Jaden Akins’ exhibit 10 contract could serve as a key opportunity for both him and the franchise as they develop young players in pursuit of future success in the NBA.

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