It isn’t the end of the world when an NBA player sends a starter to the bench. They can have plenty of reasons to make that decision. Perhaps the second unit needs a punch.
Alternatively, a team may be trying to motivate that player. With that said, the player may not see it that way. Players want to start. It’s something of a status symbol.
Whatever reason a team has to bench a player, they may see it as a demotion. When that team is a recent lottery pick, that’s even more likely to be true. Take Jaden Ivey of the Detroit Pistons.
The team’s decision to bring him off of the bench in favor of Killian Hayes has led to plenty of speculation.
Should the Pistons trade him to the Toronto Raptors?
NBA Trade Proposal: Detroit Pistons Land Toronto Raptors’ Jaden Ivey
Detroit Pistons Receive: F Otto Porter, G/F Garrett Temple, 2026 First-Round Pick (TOR)
Toronto Raptors Receive: G Jaden Ivey
Write Ivey off at your own risk. This is a remarkably talented young player. Every player’s career doesn’t follow the same trajectory. Just look at Scottie Barnes of the Toronto Raptors.
Two seasons ago, he was the Rookie of the Year. Barnes was widely regarded as a franchise player. Last year, he stagnated as a sophomore.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jaden Ivey, Detroit Pistons, Toronto Raptors Updates
Barnes’ reputation declined as a result. Now, he’s playing like an All-Star as a third-year pro. Somehow, we never learn this lesson. When a young player struggles, there’s a tendency to overreact.
Are the Pistons overreacting if they send Ivey to Toronto?
Why The Detroit Pistons Do The Deal
A rebuilding team should be projecting their future. With that in mind, the Pistons may be anticipating moving Ivey even if he does hit his ceiling. He’s not the cleanest fit alongside Cade Cunningham or Ausar Thompson.
After all, somebody has to shoot the ball – don’t they? All three of these players have a wide range of talents, but spacing the floor isn’t one for any of them.
This roster is a bit janky, and Ivey feels like the odd man out. Here, the Pistons are moving him for a first-round pick, above all else.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jaden Ivey, Detroit Pistons, Toronto Raptors Updates
Yet, Porter is the type of floor spacing wing that this team needs. He could be a useful veteran who helps the rest of the Pistons’ young core get back on track.
Should the Raptors part with him?
Why The Toronto Raptors Do The Deal
The Pistons are rebuilding. By contrast, the Raptors are in a nebulous position. This team has a lot of talent – some of it is aging, and some of it is young.
We’re not sure whether Toronto is going to rebuild or not. That’s fine. Ivey makes sense for them either way. The Raptors need a guard who can create offense in half-court sets.
Their backcourt could use an injection of athleticism. Ivey can help them on both fronts. If the Raptors move Pascal Siakam and rebuild, Ivey, Barnes, and Anunoby could be their core of the future.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jaden Ivey, Detroit Pistons, Toronto Raptors Updates
Sure, a rebuilding team doesn’t typically move a first-round pick, but a prospect like Ivey doesn’t typically get benched, either.
