In the NBA, some jobs are harder than others. As a result, some jobs take longer for young players to learn. Often, it’s easier for young role players to succeed early. For young lead ball-handlers, life can be considerably more difficult.
Look at Jaden Ivey of the Detroit Pistons. He’s flashed a lot of potential early in his career. Ivey is an explosive athlete with a solid handle. Yet, he’s currently stuck on the Pistons’ bench. The role of lead ball-handler has not been an easy one for him to master.
At the same time, Cade Cunningham is thriving in that position. The Pistons selected Ivey because he was the best player with the 5th pick in 2022. With that said, he may not be long for this roster.
Could they send him to the Utah Jazz?
NBA Trade Proposal — Utah Jazz Land Jaden Ivey
Detroit Pistons Receive: F Taylor Hendricks, C Omer Yurtseven, 2025 First-Round Pick (MIN via UTA)
Utah Jazz Receive: G Jaden Ivey
On the other hand, even young role players aren’t guaranteed opportunities. When a team has veteran depth at their position, it may be difficult for them to get on the floor.
Look at Hendricks. He’s hardly suited up for the Jazz so far in 2023-24.For what it’s worth, the Jazz have Lauri Markkanen, John Collins, and Kelly Olynyk in front of him. You may be asking yourself a question: why select Hendrick in the first place?
Well, as with the Pistons in 2022, the Jazz may have simply been making a grab for the player that was highest on their draft board. On the other hand, the Jazz may be making a mistake. This team is not in the title picture.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jaden Ivey, Utah Jazz, Detroit Pistons Updates
Why are they prioritizing veterans over Hendricks? Markkanen is clearly their top priority, but shouldn’t Hendricks be emphasized over Collins or Olynyk? If the Jazz won’t emphasize him, should they move him?
Why The Utah Jazz Do The Deal
The Jazz could use a lead ball-handler. That said, if they have winning ambitions, they may prefer a more seasoned one to Ivey. If Utah doesn’t intend to turn its focus to the future, they may pass on this trade.
Fair. With that said, the Jazz should turn to the future. That doesn’t necessarily mean trading Markkannen – although that could be an option. In either event, the Jazz should be less worried about their current situation and more concerned about their long-term potential.
This deal would raise that potential considerably. Ivey can still be a star in this league. His athletic gifts are obvious, and he’s a crafty scorer whose playmaking ability is constantly developing.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jaden Ivey, Utah Jazz, Detroit Pistons Updates
He’s not a great defender, but if Utah isn’t focused on winning now, that becomes less of a concern. Should the Pistons part with him already?
Why The Detroit Pistons Do The Deal
It seems as if the Pistons are concerned with Ivey’s defensive limitations. They’ve benched him in favor of Killian Hayes. If you’ve been following Hayes’ career, you know that’s concerning. He hasn’t flashed much in the way of creation abilities during his time in the league.
None of this is a major concern. The Pistons have their primary playmaker of the future in Cade Cunningham. Ausar Thompson has looked the part of a secondary creator.
The Pistons have a lot of potential on this roster. On the other hand, what they don’t have is wing depth. They’re adding some here. Hendricks should have every opportunity in Detroit.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jaden Ivey, Utah Jazz, Detroit Pistons Updates
Meanwhile, the Pistons pick up an unprotected first here since Ivey has the better draft pedigree. If Hendricks can do his job, this trade could look like a steal for them.
