The Detroit Pistons have finalized a two-way agreement with rookie center Ugonna Onyenso, according to the NBA’s official transactions log. HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto first reported the move.
Onyenso, a 7-foot native of Nigeria, was selected 53rd overall in last month’s draft. The pick changed hands twice on draft night—moving from the Houston Rockets to the New York Knicks in a trade that helped Houston climb to No. 31, then from New York to Detroit in exchange for cash considerations.
The 21-year-old spent his senior season at Virginia, averaging 6.5 points, 4.9 rebounds and an ACC-leading 2.9 blocks in 18.6 minutes across 36 games. His defensive impact earned him a spot on the 2025-26 All-ACC Defensive Team. Onyenso previously played two seasons for Kentucky and one for Kansas State before transferring to Virginia.
Boasting a 9-foot-5 standing reach, Onyenso entered the draft regarded as one of the class’s premier rim protectors. Limited offensive production throughout college kept his minutes below 19 per game in all four seasons.
The two-way deal will pay roughly $679,000, is non-guaranteed and does not count toward Detroit’s salary cap. Under two-way rules, Onyenso can be active for up to 50 NBA games this season and would need to be converted to a standard contract to appear in the playoffs. He joins forward Isaac Jones as the Pistons’ second two-way player; teams are permitted a maximum of three.
Source: Hoops Rumors
