The Pistons had high hopes for Jaden Ivey this season. Now his time in Detroit is done.
The Pistons have traded Ivey to the Bulls in a three-team deal in which Detroit acquires Kevin Huerter and Dario Saric from from Chicago and a first-round protected swap from Minnesota in 2026, per Shams Charania. Veteran point guard Mike Conley goes from the Timberwolves to the Bulls.
Huerter, an eight-year vet, will give the Pistons another offensive option as they aim to protect their perch atop the East. A 6'6 wing player, Huerter is having a down season, averaging 10.9 points and shooting a career-low 31.4 percent from three in 44 games, but he's a career 37 percent shooter from three.
Huerter, 27, is on an expiring deal with an $18 million cap hit this season.
Saric, who was acquired by the Bulls from the Kings on Monday, is also on an expiring contract at a minimal cost. The veteran center has played in just five games this season.
The trade marks a disappointing end to Ivey's tenure in Detroit. His star was rising last season before he broke his leg on New Year's Day. The Pistons were hopeful the former fifth overall pick would rediscover that groove this season, but Ivey suffered an unrelated knee injury in October that required another surgery and hasn't shown the same explosiveness that defined his game in the past.
After averaging 17.6 points and 4.0 assists in 30 games last season, Ivey fell to 8.2 points and 1.6 assists this season in a reduced role off the Pistons' bench.
Ivey's ceiling remains high if can recover the quickness he lost after after the injuries. He will be a restricted free agent this offseason.
As for the pick swap, both the Pistons and Timberwolves are currently slated to pick in the bottom 10 of the first round this year. Minnesota is fifth in the West at 31-20 and reportedly eyeing a trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo, while the Pistons lead the East at 36-12.