5 Questions the Pistons need to answer before the trade deadline

#2: Is Jaden Ivey a long-term fit? 

Tick tock. 

That’s the sound of the countdown to Jaden Ivey’s rookie extension, which he’ll be eligible for next summer. 

The Pistons are in a tough spot, as they need to see Ivey perform with a better roster and coaching, but also can’t wait too long, as his trade value will plummet if he doesn’t make a leap this season. 

Detroit is balancing trying to win games with trying to develop young players and evaluate their long-term fit together, which is not an easy act. 

So, what does this look like? 

It means Ivey in the starting lineup, being far more efficient on offense and improved on defense. It means JB Bickerstaff can’t keep him off the floor in favor of veterans on expiring deals. 

If we get to the trade deadline and Ivey is coming off the bench or playing an insignificant role, the Pistons will have to move him before they have another Saddiq Bey or Killian Hayes on their hands in terms of trade value (Ivey is already better than both of those guys as a player).