The fallout of the Jaden Ivey trade has continued to raise questions about the Pistons' motivations, but one historical precedent can explain everything. In 2024, the Pistons traded Quentin Grimes to the Mavericks for Tim Hardaway Jr and second-round picks. The trade was done for financial purposes to avoid paying Grimes during his upcoming free agency, just like Ivey.
The Pistons dumped Ivey before his free agency
Trading Grimes was a lot easier for Pistons fans and players to stomach. He only suited up for Detroit in 6 games before being dealt. Unlike Ivey, he had yet to build a meaningful relationship with his teammates and the fanbase.
But the signs of Grimes’ potential and self-confidence were still apparent. He had been successful in a 3-and-D role with the Knicks before arriving in Detroit, but clearly wanted more. In his brief stint with the Pistons, he played at his absolute worst as he worked his way back from injury.
Grimes would eventually find his way to the 76ers before becoming a restricted free agent last summer. On a tanking team dealing with injuries, he averaged 23 points per game in starts with Philadelphia just ahead of his contract renegotiations. It led to a standoff between player and team that lasted the whole summer.
The Pistons front office was relieved to avoid Grimes’ contractual mess and sought the same approach with Ivey. Like Grimes, it was becoming clear that Ivey’s best play would likely come elsewhere - and take time to reach. In the Pistons’ current position, they would rather pick up a more proven option on a cheaper and certain contract.
Unfortunately for Ivey, the Pistons don’t have time to wait for him to develop and they certainly don’t have the patience to negotiate his extension all summer long. Ivey will likely seek more contract value than he’s actually shown this season, since he will be confident in his eventual full recovery from injury. But the Pistons are rapidly approaching contender status and understandably can’t take that risk anymore.
When the Pistons traded away Grimes, they received a valuable contributor in return. Tim Hardaway Jr not only brought spacing as a respected veteran shooter, but also held up defensively as a starter. They’re hoping to eventually get a similar contribution from Kevin Huerter, who was the return in Ivey’s trade along with a first-round pick swap. But that hope has yet to materialize and Huerter has barely found his way onto the court.
Hopefully the Pistons will look back at Ivey’s trade one day and see it in the same light as Grimes’ trade: a proactive move that also landed a short-term upgrade. If not, the pain of losing a fan favorite will continue to linger.