The Detroit Pistons haven't had much reason to look back on Jaden Ivey after turning the page on the 24-year-old guard at the trade deadline.
Heading into an offseason where he was going to be a restricted free agent, Ivey was no longer a part of Detroit's plans, as the team took a massive step towards becoming contenders in his absence. He was an afterthought in the Pistons' rotation, and a trade was all that remained to help foster a fresh start.
Unfortunately, for Ivey, things haven't gone according to plan since joining the Chicago Bulls last month.
Ex-Piston Jaden Ivey's Injury Complicates Upcoming Free Agency
Ivey lasted four games with the Bulls before complaining about knee soreness. The coaching staff and medical team decided to shut him down for a while, and Ivey hasn't played since Feb. 11. While the Bulls are currently on a West Coast road trip, Ivey stayed behind and is currently in a knee-strengthening program in Chicago.
The former fifth-overall pick has been dealing with knee issues after he suffered an injury in the offseason. Ivey broke his fibula on Jan. 1, 2025, and was getting ready to return to start the 2025-26 season. In the preseason, he suffered an injury that required arthroscopic surgery to relieve right knee discomfort. This forced him to miss the first four weeks of the season.
While Ivey didn't miss any more games after his return, he was clearly not the same player he once was. He was not as athletic or explosive, which led head coach J.B. Bickerstaff to keep his playing time around 15 minutes per game. Only when his minutes increased to around 30 minutes per game in his first week with the Bulls did Ivey feel discomfort in his knee.
He admitted that he was "not the same player (he) used to be... The old J.I. is dead," in a solemn locker room interview after he got his first DNP on Feb. 19.
The Bulls play their final game on the road trip on Friday before returning to Chicago. Ivey has a chance to play himself into shape in the Bulls' final 15 games. This stretch will be crucial for the former Purdue star's NBA future.
As his restricted free agency looms, Ivey is at a crossroads. If he can get through the next few weeks healthy and prove to everyone that he is moving well again, he could still get a lucrative, multi-year deal from the Bulls or elsewhere. If he continues to feel discomfort in his knee, however, it will be hard for any team to give an offer sheet for the 24-year-old combo guard.
Regardless of what happens, Pistons fans will continue to root for their former star prospect.