The NBA’s head coaches don’t always trust young players. This is a time-tested rule around the league. Young players may be talented, but they also make mistakes.
That doesn’t fly with some of the stricter head coaches around the NBA. Fair enough. On the other hand, in some situations, leniency is the best policy.
For example, if you’ve got a hyper-talented young guard on a rebuilding team, they typically benefit from a long leash. In 2023-24, that hasn’t been the case for Jaden Ivey of the Detroit Pistons.
It seems as if Monty Williams doesn’t trust him. This is a problem. If the Pistons aren’t going to use Ivey, they might as well trade him.
Could the New York Knicks be interested in him?
NBA Trade Proposal: New York Knicks Land Detroit Pistons’ Jaden Ivey
Detroit Pistons Receive: G/F Donte DiVincenzo, 2026 First-Round Pick (NYK)
New York Knicks Receive: G Jaden Ivey, F Kevin Knox II
On the other hand, you can’t give a young player too long of a leash. This is a balance that every team in the NBA needs to strike at some point. How long should a team wait for a player to develop?
After all, some players just never get it. Sure, a player may be picked in the lottery. That doesn’t mean that they’ll give you lottery-level production. The NBA’s history is full of busts. Is the Knicks’ RJ Barrett the next one?
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jaden Ivey, Detroit Pistons, New York Knicks Updates
We’re not sure. Barrett has made marginal gains in 2023-23 – his three-point efficiency has improved. Otherwise, he’s roughly the same player that he’s always been.
Would acquiring Ivey make his life easier?
Why The New York Knicks Do The Deal
We’re not sure. That’s not the point here. The Knicks aren’t necessarily doing this deal to improve. They’re doing it to capitalize on a buy-low opportunity and land a recent lottery pick.
That’s an unconventional move for a competitive Knicks team. Who needs convention? Ivey has flashed star potential during his brief time in Detroit. If he’s available, even a competitive team could make a bid for him. The Knicks should be no exception.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jaden Ivey, Detroit Pistons, New York Knicks Updates
Besides, Immanuel Quickley is due for an extension this summer. Here, the Knicks could be replacing him – and if Ivey hits his ceiling, it could be an upgrade.
Should the Pistons risk watching Ivey succeed elsewhere?
Why The Detroit Pistons Do The Deal
This certainly isn’t what the Pistons envisioned when they selected Ivey. They’re taking a value loss here. The Pistons would have selected Ivey with the fifth pick and flipped him for a role player and a pick unlikely to land in the top five just a year later.
Sure. With that said, they didn’t select him at that spot to keep him on the bench, either. This situation is not trending in the right direction.
If the Pistons aren’t going to use Ivey, they might as well get something in return for him. That’s what they’re doing here. DiVincenzo is exactly the type of 3-and-D guard that this team needs.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jaden Ivey, Detroit Pistons, New York Knicks Updates
Meanwhile, a first-round pick is still a first-round pick. Hopefully, the Pistons can use it to select a player that they trust.
