The Detroit Pistons are finishing 2025 in a much better place than anyone could have reasonably predicted. At the top of the Eastern Conference with a 24-8 record, the Pistons are here and will be a force to be reckoned with for a long time. Overachieving comes with increased expectations. Pistons fans hope to see a deep postseason run, and the front office has to keep that in mind when making roster decisions ahead of the trade deadline.
Perhaps the most fascinating decision for general manager Trajan Langdon will be about Jaden Ivey. The 23-year-old guard returned to action in late November after missing nearly a year recovering from a broken fibula. He has been slowly revamping his workload over the last five weeks. Despite playing in all 18 games for the Pistons since his return, including back-to-backs, Ivey has largely been on a minutes restriction. He played over 25 minutes for the first time this season during Sunday's loss to the L.A. Clippers.
Jaden Ivey's Future in Detroit Remains Murky Entering New Year
In his season-high 29 minutes, Ivey put up 11 points, three rebounds, and three assists on 2-of-10 shooting from the field. He followed that up with nine points, a pair of boards and helpers, and a steal in Tuesday's 128-106 win over the Los Angeles Lakers.
The fourth-year player has shown improvement as a defender and a three-point shooter, but his fit on the Pistons remains one of the biggest questions for the front office.
Ivey is still a better on-ball player than off-ball. He is an aggressive attacker who puts pressure on the rim. He can play with pace and be effective in transition. His ability to run a pick-and-roll and drive off the dribble is certainly important for a team in need of more offensive juice.
The problem is that the Pistons have built their entire offense around Cade Cunningham. With Jalen Duren's emergence, the two-man actions between Cunningham and Duren are the backbone of the Pistons' offense. What the Pistons need around those two is as much shooting as possible. Three-and-D players who don't need the ball in their hands to be effective are better fits for this team than Ivey.
The fact that the Pistons have easily been the best team in the East without Ivey suggests how expendable the fourth-year player is for the franchise. Ivey will be a restricted free agent in the offseason, and the Pistons will likely have to give him a lucrative, multi-year deal to keep him in Detroit. At that point, the former Purdue star will be an expensive luxury to have for the Pistons.
There is currently little indication that the Pistons are willing to move on from Ivey. Between now and the Feb. 5 trade deadline, however, a lot can change. If Ivey hasn't hit another gear, and the Pistons are still playing as well without him as with him on the floor, they would be wise to consider trading him. Otherwise, he will be an obvious flight risk in the summer of 2026.