The future is now for the Detroit Pistons and unfortunately for Jaden Ivey, he is not part of it. The 23-year-old guard is among the under-25 players in the squad that is supposed to takeover soon together with Ausar Thompson, Isaiah Stewart and All-Stars Jalen Duren and Cade Cunningham.
However, Pistons has other plans and decided to include him in a three-team trade that got them Kevin Huerter, Dario Šarić and a 2026 first-round protected swap pick.
Other teams that were involved are Chicago got Ivey and Mike Conley Jr. from the Minnesota Timberwolves who received cash considerations.
Ivey was picked fifth overall in 2022 by the Pistons and averaged above 15 points in the first three season he’s played for them. Unfortunately, the third season saw him suffering a broken left fibula injury in January last year, making him the rest of the season.
He was supposed to return in the pre-season but got injured in a game against the Memphis Grizzlies. He made his 2025-26 season debut on November 22 in win over Milwaukee Bucks and played a total of 33 games, averaging 8.2 points in 16.8 minutes.
Ausar Thompson felt emotional over Ivey trade
His teammates waited for him only for him to get sent packing. Thompson is among the first to express his feelings about the trade.
Ivey was on his second season when they drafted Thompson in 2023 and the third year forward paid tribute to the times they spent togther.
He also shared belief that his former teammate will flourish where he is right now.
Ausar Thompson on Jaden Ivey:
“That’s my brother for life. We were locker mates since I got on this team, we always sat next to each other. To possibly lose him kind of hurts. … Wherever JI goes, greatness follows.” pic.twitter.com/aZKvk5nmcf
— Hunter Patterson (@HunterPatterson) February 4, 2026
Pistons and Bulls wil meet on February 21 shortly after the All-Star Game break.
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