Jaden Ivey, the former Detroit Pistons guard, landed a rare honorable mention in NBA free agency, following his brief and injury-plagued stint with the Chicago Bulls. The 24-year-old guard was traded to the Bulls as part of a three-team trade that included the Detroit Pistons and the Minnesota Timberwolves, during the 2025-2026 NBA season.
What happened to Jaden Ivey?
Ivey was in a contract year after a strong showing in 2024-2025, before he went down with a season-ending injury. He played in just four games for the Bulls before getting shut down due to an injury, and was subsequently cut by the team due to conduct detrimental to the team.
The Detroit Pistons, who last played on 2026-05-18, losing 94-125 to the Cleveland Cavaliers, and have a recent form of 2W-0D-3L, with their last two games being losses, may be keeping an eye on Ivey's situation.
Why it matters for the Detroit Pistons
Ivey's performance with the Pistons in the 2024-2025 season was impressive, with averages of 17.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 4.0 assists, while shooting 40.9% from three. However, his playing time was cut in half in the 2025-2026 season, due to numerous setbacks, and he appeared in just 33 games for the Pistons, averaging 8.2 points, and 1.6 assists, while shooting 37.2% from three.
What comes next for Jaden Ivey?
Ivey has been a free agent since March, and when the NBA re-opened free agency in late June, there was no renewed interest in the 24-year-old guard. With August winding down, Ivey remains available, and his recent honorable mention from Bleacher Report's top free agent list may be a positive step in the right direction. If Ivey gets another NBA deal, it will likely be a short-term deal on the minimum side, potentially lacking a guarantee.
The Detroit Pistons, who have lost their last two games, will be looking to bounce back, and may be considering all options, including signing a veteran guard like Ivey, to bolster their roster. As the NBA season approaches, the Pistons will be looking to turn their recent form around, and a signing like Ivey's could be just what they need to get back on track.
