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Jaden Ivey of the Detroit Pistons has been on the sidelines since January 1st.
The Detroit Pistons went into their second-to-last game of the 2025-2026 NBA season with a matchup against the Charlotte Hornets on the road.
Despite holding the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference, the Pistons played their key guys. With a long break coming up, the Pistons want to keep the ball rolling and make sure that Cade Cunningham can get comfortably settled in again.
The Pistons ended up winning against the Hornets 118-100.
Detroit secured the victory and also landed major 2026 NBA Draft news.
GettyWASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 17: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons points skyward before playing against the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on March 17, 2026 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
With the way Friday’s slate played out, the Pistons learned that they would pick up the No. 21 pick in the 2025-2026 NBA Draft.
The Latest On The Detroit Pistons’ NBA Draft
GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – JUNE 23: Jaden Ivey reacts after being drafted with the 5th overall pick by the Detroit Pistons during the 2022 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 23, 2022 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
via Keith Langlois, Pistons.com: A good night for the Pistons. Their 59th win ties for the third most in franchise history. The kicker is that Toronto’s loss means the pick swap the Pistons got from Minnesota in the Kevin Huerter deal conveys. It was protected 1-19. Pick will now be 20 or 21.
Since the Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Houston Rockets, the pick officially becomes No. 21.
With the swap, the Pistons will end up moving up seven spots on draft night.
How The Pistons Landed The Pick
gettyDENVER, COLORADO – DECEMBER 28: Jaden Ivey #23 of the Detroit Piston brings the ball down the court against the Denver Nuggets in the first quarter at Ball Arena on December 28, 2024 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
The now-infamous Jaden Ivey trade gave the Pistons an opportunity to pick up a quality veteran in Kevin Huerter and a pick-swap with the Timberwolves.
While the Pistons’ decision to cut ties with Jaden Ivey left a little concern at first, considering he was a homegrown player who showed a lot of promise, it has since become clear that they made the right move.
Ivey’s injury concerns lingered when he got to Chicago. On top of that, his off-court comments on social media landed him in hot water. The Bulls didn’t waste time releasing him.
The Pistons aren’t putting all of their focus into the draft in April these days. Soon, they will fire up a second-straight playoff run as the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference.
Still, they can feel good about landing a major gift before wrapping up the regular season on Sunday against the Indiana Pacers.
Justin Grasso Justin Grasso is an NBA reporter, covering trending league news, transactions, injuries, and player developments. He is a credentialed journalist with nearly a decade of insider access. More about Justin Grasso
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