{"id":689960,"date":"2026-03-31T14:13:15","date_gmt":"2026-03-31T14:13:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/689960\/"},"modified":"2026-03-31T14:13:15","modified_gmt":"2026-03-31T14:13:15","slug":"near-upset-of-thunder-is-more-evidence-for-jaden-ivey-trade-call","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/689960\/","title":{"rendered":"Near upset of Thunder is more evidence for Jaden Ivey trade call"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Detroit Pistons<\/a> put up a gallant stand against the Oklahoma City Thunder<\/a> before falling short in overtime, 114-110, at Paycom Center on Monday.<\/p>\n

Despite playing with a badly depleted roster, the Pistons almost upset the defending champions. Detroit was stricken with injuries, as it was without the All-Star duo of Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren, starters Tobias Harris and Duncan Robinson, and key reserve Isaiah Stewart.<\/p>\n

One of the guys who stepped up for the Pistons was Kevin Huerter<\/a>, who was inserted into the starting unit and tallied 17 points on 7-of-16 shooting, six rebounds, six assists, and one steal. He played a team-high 38 minutes.<\/p>\n

Detroit Free Press’ Omari Sankofa II pointed out Huerter’s laudable performance<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u201cHuerter was tremendous tonight. That trade might pay dividends in the playoffs,\u201d wrote Sankofa on X.<\/p>\n

He was referring to the Pistons’ three-team deal with the Chicago Bulls and the Minnesota Timberwolves in February. It sent Huerter to the Pistons, while the team shipped Jaden Ivey<\/a>, who landed on the Bulls.<\/p>\n

Essentially, it was a one-for-one exchange between the Pistons and the Bulls, with Huerter taking Ivey’s spot in the rotation. While his numbers may not pop out, the 27-year-old veteran has played a key role off the bench.<\/p>\n

The midseason trade has proved to be even more valuable for Detroit after the Bulls waived Ivey amid his concerning behavior<\/a> on social media. While it was an unfortunate development, Detroit was right in parting ways with the 24-year-old guard.<\/p>\n

Ivey wanted to stay with the Pistons, but the NBA can be cruel.<\/p>\n

For his part, Huerter has quickly endeared himself to the fans in Motown, averaging 8.0 points, 2.7 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.0 steals in 19 games with the Pistons.<\/p>\n

The Detroit Pistons put up a gallant stand against the Oklahoma City Thunder before falling short in overtime, 114-110, at Paycom Center on Monday. Despite playing with a badly depleted roster, the Pistons almost upset the defending champions.<\/p>\n