NBA Trade Rumors on Jaden Ivey, Pistons' Stance on 'Major' Addition Ahead of 2026 Deadline

While the Detroit Pistons have the best record in the Eastern Conference, they reportedly might not be significant buyers ahead of the Feb. 5 trade deadline.

NBA insider Jake Fischer reported Thursday "the Pistons continue to message that they aren't in any hurry to sacrifice prime draft capital or significant trade equity to make a major in-season addition."

Fischer noted they are looking to keep "their cap sheet as clean as possible" knowing Jalen Duren and Ausar Thompson could be in line for new deals. He also added the front office is "at the very least, known to be gauging the market for fourth-year guard Jaden Ivey, who is headed for restricted free agency this summer."

The Pistons have been one of the revelations of the season at this point with a 28-10 record and bright future, so it isn't particularly surprising they aren't necessarily jumping at the chance to break up their young core for a short-term addition at the deadline.

Making sure Duren and Thompson are part of that core for years to come figures to be one of the top priorities, even if it means passing on a noteworthy addition or two this season.

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As for Ivey, he is more of a secondary contributor than anything else at this point and may not be as critical for the long-term outlook of the franchise.

Detroit appeared to make him a building block when it selected him with the No. 5 overall pick of the 2022 NBA draft, and he averaged 16.3 points per game as a rookie and 15.4 points per game in his second season.

Yet a potential breakout third campaign was cut short after just 30 games due to a fibula injury, and he missed time earlier this season due to knee surgery. He didn't make his 2025-26 debut until a Nov. 22 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks.

The Purdue product has appeared in 23 games this season and is averaging 8.3 points, 2.2 rebounds and 1.8 assists in 16.9 minutes. Those would all be career-worst marks, which is understandable as he is working his way back into the rotation after multiple major injuries.

Still, Detroit is now in win-now mode after such an impressive start to the campaign and has a number of other young players to worry about in terms of future contracts. Ivey may end up being the odd-man out given the situation, and trading him ahead of this year's deadline would allow the front office to get something in return before he potentially signs elsewhere.

A young and rebuilding team could also see Ivey as a clear candidate to bounce back with more consistent playing time, especially since he is just 23 years old. He will surely generate plenty of interest, and the Pistons could look to move him as they focus elsewhere on their roster.