Pistons Face Crucial Jaden Ivey Decision This Offseason

The Detroit Pistons enter the 2025 offseason with a wave of optimism, primarily centered around potential acquisitions. But before looking outward, what about their homegrown talent? One name worth watching is guard Jaden Ivey, whose potential includes the possibility of either signing an extension or being traded.

This was supposed to be a pivotal season for Ivey—a potential turning point in his young career. With extension talks looming and his name swirling in trade rumors, Ivey needed to prove he belonged as a foundational piece. He responded with the best stretch of his career, averaging 17.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 4.0 assists over 30 games. But just as he was finding his rhythm, Ivey suffered a fractured fibula on January 1st, putting his breakout campaign on hold.

As the Pistons aim to turn the corner, they may consider packaging talent for a win-now move. Ivey could be a centerpiece in those discussions. But should Detroit commit to him as a long-term building block—or explore his value on the trade market?

Pistons Face Crucial Jaden Ivey Decision This Offseason

Ivey Will Have to Make the Pistons Believe

Cade Cunningham’s All-NBA Third Team selection triggered the Rose Rule, bumping his extension to 30% of the salary cap—and making the Pistons’ future considerably more expensive. As Detroit enters the 2025–26 season, managing the books while building a contender is a delicate balancing act.

Ivey now enters the final year of his rookie contract, eligible for an extension this offseason. Pistons President Trajan Langdon faces a pivotal choice: lock Ivey in now or let him play out the year and prove he deserves a deal. Given Ivey’s season-ending injury and the uncertainty surrounding his recovery, the front office may opt to wait.

But Ivey’s play before the injury showed flashes of star potential. Whether that short sample size warrants a long-term financial investment will be one of the franchise’s defining questions this summer.