What would it cost Detroit Pistons to trade up in 2025 NBA Draft?
Sam Vecenie of “Game Theory Podcast” walks Bryce and Omari through the potential costs the Pistons would need to make to move up in the NBA draft.
The Detroit Pistons lost two of their top players to injuries at various times last season. They’re on pace to be back next season, though.
Both Jaden Ivey and Isaiah Stewart are expected to be 100% healthy in time for training camp, team president of basketball operations Trajan Langdon said Tuesday, June 24. Ivey’s season ended on Jan. 1 with a broken left fibula, and Stewart missed the Pistons’ final two regular-season games and their last five playoff games with right knee inflammation.
“I wouldn’t say they’re a full go, but they’re coming along,” he said. “They’ll be ready for camp.”
Ivey had a career season in 30 games in 2024-25 — his third season in the league — by averaging 17.6 points, 4.1 rebounds and four assists a game while shooting 46% overall and 40.9% from 3. Stewart also had a career year, leading the Pistons’ defensive transformation while averaging six points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.4 blocks — all career high — off the bench.
The Pistons missed both players in the playoffs, but Stewart’s presence was especially missed in the first round of the playoffs against the New York Knicks‘ physical frontcourt of Karl-Anthony Towns and Mitchell Robinson.
“You know in January, J.I.’s going to be out, but with Stew, you just think that force around the rim in the second unit could’ve really helped us,” Langdon said. “We were also fortunate that we had Paul (Reed).”
Ivey will become eligible for an extension of his rookie this summer, as will Jalen Duren. Langdon was coy when asked about their pending restricted free agency, noting that the Pistons still have another season before they’re forced to make a decision on the duo’s long-term futures.
For now, the focus is on making sure Ivey is fully healthy.
“I never thought (the injury) puts pressure on J.I. coming back,” Langdon said. “A player coming back off an injury, there’s always concern and thoughts in his head. We’re gonna try to put him in the best possible place to be successful coming off that injury. I’ve played two different seasons after injuries and it’s difficult mentally and emotionally to understand. He’s gonna want to get back to where he was pre-injury, playing a high level of basketball.
“We feel it’s our responsibility to put him in a plce where he can get there as quickly as possible. He’s been in here working his butt off all summer. He’s in a really good place. I wouldn’t say it puts any pressure on him more than the pressure that he’s putting on himself.”
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