The Detroit Pistons traded Ivey to the Chicago Bulls on Tuesday, February 3, in exchange for a 2026 first-round draft pick with Kevin Huerter, Dario Saric and the Minnesota Timberwolves.
After recovering from a fibula injury and arthroscopic surgery on his right knee, Ivey’s playing time and statistics have dropped significantly this season, averaging 8.2 points and 1.6 assists in 16.8 minutes per game, including two starts in 33 games.
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He was having the best season of his career in 2024-25, but on New Year’s Day 2025, he fractured his left fibula. He averaged 17.6 points, 4.1 rebounds and 4 assists in about 30 minutes per game.
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Here’s what the Pistons said Thursday when asked about the trade.
JB Bickerstaff
On the decision to trade Ivey: It’s always tough. This is a difficult time of year for everyone involved. You build relationships with people, you care about people, and you have to make tough business decisions. That’s why this league is so great, but it also comes with some emotional stuff that’s not always that fun. But you have to deal with it. JI has been great, the two and a half years we’ve been together, as a guy who has allowed me to coach him, as a teammate who wants to do whatever it takes to help this team win. Going through a lot of difficult situations. The way he performed early last year and then come back and have to play a different role, a lot of people can’t handle that. I really admire the way he handled it and the way he continued to support the team and try to help the team succeed during his time with the team. “
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On whether there was a specific moment that led to the decision to trade Ivey: “No, it wasn’t just that moment, I don’t think it was something that didn’t work or wasn’t working. I just felt like it was a great opportunity for him to go to a new place, start fresh and have a chance to explore where his game could go in a different role. Obviously, I don’t know how they’re going to use him or what they’re going to do with him there, but again I’m excited to spend this time with him and I don’t think it’s a “not working” situation I just feel like a business decision has to be made and that gives JI. A chance to start over and hopefully it will be good for both of us.”
Orsar Thompson
On the emotional side of Ivey being traded: “JI, this is my brother for life. We’ve been locker room mates since I’ve been on this team, we always sit together. It hurts to lose him, but you know that’s the way it is. I know that wherever JI is, like I text him, wherever JI goes, greatness will follow. JI is great and is going to be great. Don’t worry about him. Love that guy.”
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Please contact Omari Sankofa II at osankofa@freepress.com. Follow him on Bluesky and/or X @omarisankofa.
This article originally appeared in the Detroit Free Press: Pistons on Jaden Ivey trade to Bulls