​In Sacramento, California, on March 15, DeMar DeRozan, wearing number 10 for the Sacramento Kings, was seen dribbling as he was guarded by Elijah Harkless, who wore number 16 for the Utah Jazz, during the second half at the Golden 1 Center. This moment, captured by Thearon W. Henderson for Getty Images, is part of the public archive and is subject to the Getty Images License Agreement, which users acknowledge by downloading or using the photograph.
Meanwhile, the Detroit Pistons have added a notable piece as they begin their 2026 NBA Summer League slate. According to RBA Showcase, Elijah Harkless, a two-year NBA veteran, has signed a deal to join the Pistons. The contract is expected to be a two-way agreement, allowing Harkless to split time between Detroit’s main roster under coach JB Bickerstaff and the Motor City Cruise, the Pistons’ NBA G League affiliate. Sports commentators have praised the move: Keith Smith of Spotrac described Harkless as a “nice pickup on a two-way” who brings work ethic and defensive acumen, noting that he should fit well within Detroit’s culture. Finn Kuehl of Two Way Talents added that Harkless is “one of the best two-way players in the league,” highlighting the strategic value of adding a player of his dual-role capability. With this signing, the Pistons have reportedly solidified all of their two-way slots, joining Isaac Jones and Ugonna Onyenso on two-way contracts.
Harkless’s path to the NBA began at California State University, Northridge, and the Southern California native later spent time at Oklahoma from 2020 to 2022 before transferring to UNLV. During the 2022-2023 NCAA season at UNLV, Harkless started all 32 games, averaging 30.9 minutes per game and delivering 19.1 points on 41.4 percent shooting. He also contributed 5.1 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game. After entering the professional ranks as an undrafted player in 2023, Harkless joined the G League, playing for the Clippers’ affiliate. In January 2025, he signed a two-way contract with the Utah Jazz. Across two seasons with the Jazz, Harkless appeared in 36 games, and in the 2025-2026 NBA season he posted averages of 6.8 points, 2.9 assists, and 2.0 rebounds on a 33.5 percent field-goal percentage.
This report reflects the evolving rosters and free-agent activity shaping the Pistons as they prepare for the summer season and the broader 2026-27 NBA campaign. The coverage, originally published by HEAVY, situates Harkless within Detroit’s strategic roster-building efforts and highlights the significance of two-way contracts in contemporary team construction.