When an NBA team selects a player in the lottery, they’ve got big plans for them. They become part of the team’s long-term vision. Unfortunately, it doesn’t always go that way. Sometimes, a lottery player doesn’t look like a good fit with a team.
Is Jaden Ivey of the Detroit Pistons a bad fit in Motor City? We wouldn’t go that far. He’s in the beginning of his sophomore season – it’s too early to give up on Ivey. With that said, he has been demoted to the bench. This is a situation worth monitoring.
How about Patrick Williams of the Chicago Bulls? That’s a different matter. Williams is a couple of years deeper into his NBA career, and he’s regressing. He may need a change of scenery.
Could the Bulls send him to Detroit in a package for Ivey?
NBA Trade Proposal — Chicago Bulls Land Jaden Ivey
Detroit Pistons Receive: F Patrick Williams, 2026 First-Round Pick (Top 10 Protected – CHI)
Chicago Bulls Receive: G Jaden Ivey, F Isaiah Livers
Careers can get knocked off course for different reasons. The NBA is an unpredictable place. A young player faces many obstacles on the path to success – and injuries are chief among them.
Injuries certainly haven’t helped Williams. He’s missed ample time in his NBA career so far. That can have other consequences. When a player misses time, they develop rust. Williams doesn’t look himself this year. If he’d had more regular NBA run, that may not be the case.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jaden Ivey, Detroit Pistons, Chicago Bulls Updates
On the other hand, Ivey has been mostly healthy. He may not be a good fit in Detroit. Cade Cunningham is their primary ball-handler. Since that role isn’t available to Ivey, the Pistons have opted to plug better defenders into the starting lineup alongside Cunningham.
Could the Bulls hand Ivey the keys to their offense?
Why The Chicago Bulls Do the Deal
The Bulls could use a point guard. On the other hand, they could arguably use a rebuild. This team has more pressing concerns than Williams’ production. The Bulls were mediocre last season, and they look the same in 2023-24.
Let’s say that they opt against rebuilding. This deal still makes sense. ivey could thrive alongside veteran offensive players like Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, and Nikola Vucevic. His athleticism could make him a strong safety valve when the Bulls’ shot creators are stifled.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jaden Ivey, Detroit Pistons, Chicago Bulls Updates
On the other hand, let’s say Chicago is rebuilding. They could still justify this deal. Sure, they’re giving up a protected first-rounder, but they’re also taking a flyer on a recent lottery pick. So, Ivey is a sensible acquisition no matter what their next move is.
Should the Pistons really part with him already?
Why The Detroit Pistons Do The Deal
The Pistons have a lot of talent. They’ve got a trio of talented guards in Cunningham, Ivey and Ausar Thompson. They’ve got two talented big men in Jalen Duren and James Wiseman. With that said, they could use some wing depth.
Sure, Thompson has the size to play the 3. Still, the Pistons are lacking in positional versatility up front. Williams would make life easier in that sense. He’s a combo forward who can guard multiple positions.
That makes him a better fit than Ivey with this roster. The Pistons didn’t pick Ivey fifth overall to make him a sixth man. This doesn’t look like it’s working.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jaden Ivey, Detroit Pistons, Chicago Bulls Updates
Cutting ties with him early may sting, but if Williams rounds back into form, it’ll be worth their time. After all, he was a lottery pick too.
