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The Trade Everyone Sees Coming — But Will the Pistons Actually Pull the Trigger on Jaden Ivey?

The Trade Everyone Sees Coming — But Will the Pistons Actually Pull the Trigger on Jaden Ivey?

The Detroit Pistons are staring down a crossroads moment, and it has less to do with the standings and more to do with the future of their young roster. For all the excitement surrounding the promise of players like Cade Cunningham, Ausar Thompson, and rookie Ron Holland II, one name continues to linger in trade discussions: Jaden Ivey.

The whispers are getting louder. The suggestion? Send Ivey to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for PJ Washington — a deal that looks almost too obvious on paper, but one that still divides analysts and fans alike.

Why This Deal Keeps Coming Up

On the surface, the trade makes perfect sense. The Mavericks are loaded with power forwards, especially with the arrival of No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg and hefty contracts already tied to their big men. Meanwhile, their guard rotation remains thin, especially with Kyrie Irving’s recurring absences. Ivey, with his burst, scoring ability, and untapped potential, would slot neatly into Dallas’s backcourt, offering depth and versatility.

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The Pistons, on the other hand, are experiencing the opposite problem. Detroit has a guard-heavy roster but lacks a reliable stretch forward. PJ Washington, a tough, defensive-minded power forward who can rebound and shoot, checks nearly every box the Pistons are desperate to fill. For a franchise looking to balance its lineup, this move looks tailor-made.

The Contract Conundrum

As with most NBA trades in today’s financial climate, the decision may ultimately come down to money. Both Ivey and Washington are nearing the end of their current deals, and both are expected to command significant pay raises in the coming offseason. With the NBA’s new collective bargaining agreement making the luxury tax more punishing than ever, Detroit’s front office has to ask itself a difficult question:

Do they want to invest long-term in Ivey, or would Washington be the better bet over the next four years?

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This is where the debate gets interesting. Ivey is younger, with more room to grow, but Washington addresses an immediate need. The Pistons are also juggling the future paydays of Ausar Thompson and Ron Holland II — two players who could become cornerstones in their own right. Keeping everyone may simply be unrealistic.

What’s at Stake for Detroit

Trading away Ivey wouldn’t be about giving up on his talent. Rather, it would be about team construction and prioritizing roles. The Pistons already have multiple ball-handlers, while size and versatility at the four remain in short supply. Washington offers experience, toughness, and a skill set that could complement Cunningham’s playmaking and open up space for Detroit’s young wings.

But there’s also risk. Moving Ivey could backfire if he flourishes in Dallas, evolving into the kind of dynamic guard Detroit has historically lacked. The Pistons’ fan base, hungry for progress after years of rebuilding, won’t easily forgive a move that looks shortsighted in hindsight.

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Should the Pistons Do It?

That’s the million-dollar question. From a pure roster-fit perspective, the deal makes sense. From a financial standpoint, it offers clarity at a time when Detroit can’t afford to hand out multiple max-level extensions. Yet basketball isn’t played on paper, and the Pistons must weigh chemistry, development, and potential just as heavily as immediate needs.

For now, the trade remains speculation. But as the deadline approaches, the noise will only grow louder. The Pistons know they can’t keep every young piece forever. At some point, tough decisions have to be made.

And if this obvious move really is the one waiting to happen, the only question left is whether Detroit has the conviction to make it.

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