A breakout rookie season in the G-League with the Motor City Cruise apparently wasn’t good enough for the Pistons’ affiliate to re-sign Jaden Akins, but don’t worry, he’s getting another NBA opportunity.
This time, it’s with the reigning world champs.
After a strong Summer League showing with the Knicks, all had been quiet on the two-way contract front regarding Akins, but on Wednesday, he reportedly signed a deal with the organization.
Jaden Akins has signed a two-way deal with the Knicks, team says pic.twitter.com/d6egqIx0Ac
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) September 30, 2026
Akins averaged 11.3 points and 2.0 assists during Summer League play with the Knicks which came just months after he wrapped up a G-League All-Star season with the Cruise. He averaged 14.7 points and 4.4 assists during the 2025-26 season and he’s had a career game against the Westchester Knicks who he’ll be joining for the upcoming year.
It’s surprising that the Cruise didn’t try to keep him after his breakout season, but Akins felt like his best opportunity for an NBA shot was with the Knicks.
Making the switch to point guard in G-League has paid off for Akins who was much improved with the ball in his hands and he had a knack for making plays and getting teammates involved. Akins made everyone around him better in his lone season with the Cruise and now he’ll take what he learned to New York with the Westchester Knicks.
It’s good to see that the reigning world champs believe in an NBA future for Akins.
Jaden Akins always had NBA talent, potential
Although he wasn’t considered a top NBA draft prospect when he was on his way out of East Lansing, it wasn’t because he didn’t have the talent or potential, it was because he wasn’t playing the position that probably could’ve gotten him drafted and inconsistent offense scared teams away.
Akins did get better each season at Michigan State and he averaged at least 27 minutes per game over his final three seasons, but he was either red-hot or ice-cold. It felt like there was no in-between.
In year one with the Cruise, he looked like a much more consistent performer, and having that confidence at the point guard position helped. It was a more natural look for him and he rose to the occasion, earning an All-Star bid at the G-League level.
Now, with his new two-way contract, we may see him get some run with the Knicks this season.
It’s amazing what can happen to a player when they find their confidence.
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