A key member of the Detroit Pistons is on the move.

Jaden Ivey was included in a pre-deadline deal on Tuesday afternoon. As the Pistons struck a deal with the Chicago Bulls and the Minnesota Timberwolves, Ivey ended up with his team’s division rival.

On Tuesday night, following the Pistons’ win over the Denver Nuggets, Detroit standout Ausar Thompson had an emotional response to the trade that’s in the works.

“That’s my brother for life,” said Thompson. “We were locker mates since I got on this team. We always sat next to each other. To lose him—possibly lose him—kind of hurts, but you know that’s how it works. I know wherever JI goes, he’s going to be great. So, no worries for him. Love that guy.”

Ivey arrived with the Pistons in 2022. He was a first-round pick (fifth overall) out of Purdue. At the time, the Pistons were recognized as one of the bottom-feeders of the Eastern Conference. Throughout Ivey’s first two seasons, he played a full-time role in a rebuilding situation.

Last year, the Pistons turned everything around and Ivey’s rise was a big reason for that. As a third-year guard, Ivey averaged 17.6 points per game while shooting 40 percent from three. Just 30 games in, Ivey suffered a season-ending leg injury. He made a full recovery, but other ailments affected the start of his 2025-2026 season.

With 33 games in the bag with the Pistons, it was clear that Ivey could use a fresh start. The veteran guard was averaging just 8.2 points per game, while shooting 37 percent from three. He never won his starting job back alongside Cade Cunningham. Now that Ivey’s on the move, he gets a chance to start fresh with the Bulls, who could be on pace for a rebuild.

Once Ivey wraps up his $10.1 million season in 2026, he will become a restricted free agent over the summer. It’s clear the Pistons no longer saw a long-term future with Ivey. Despite the sudden change in season, the third-year standout Ausar Thompson doesn’t believe that will change his friendship with the ex-Pistons sharpshooter.

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