Pistons Trade Jaden Ivey After Rookie Season Injury

Coach says team had to make a "business decision" on the 5th overall pick's future.

Feb. 6, 2026 at 7:39am

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The Detroit Pistons traded away Jaden Ivey, the 5th overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, after just one season with the team. Ivey suffered a season-ending injury in his rookie year, and never regained the excellent form he had shown prior to joining the Pistons. Coach J.B. Bickerstaff said the team had to make a "business decision" on Ivey's future, despite the high draft position.

Why it matters

The Pistons' decision to trade Ivey after just one injury-plagued season is an unusual move for a top-5 draft pick, and highlights the tough business realities of professional sports. Ivey was seen as a promising young talent, but the team felt they needed to make a change for their own interests.

The details

Ivey was drafted 5th overall by the Pistons in 2022 after a standout college career at Purdue. However, he suffered a season-ending injury early in his rookie NBA season and was never able to regain his previous form. Despite his high draft position, the Pistons decided to trade Ivey, with coach J.B. Bickerstaff saying the team had to make a "business decision" on the young player's future.

  • Jaden Ivey was drafted 5th overall by the Detroit Pistons in 2022.
  • Ivey suffered a season-ending injury early in his rookie 2022-23 NBA season.
  • The Pistons traded Ivey away prior to the start of the 2023-24 NBA season.

The players

Jaden Ivey

A 5th overall draft pick by the Detroit Pistons in 2022, Ivey had a promising college career at Purdue before suffering a season-ending injury in his rookie NBA season.

J.B. Bickerstaff

The head coach of the Detroit Pistons, who said the team had to make a "business decision" in trading away Jaden Ivey after just one injury-plagued season.

Detroit Pistons

The NBA franchise that drafted Jaden Ivey 5th overall in 2022, but traded him away after just one season due to a business decision.

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What they’re saying

“I don't think this is a situation where the word is 'it didn't work.' I just feel like a business decision had to be made, and it gave JI an opportunity to get a fresh start.”

— J.B. Bickerstaff, Head Coach, Detroit Pistons

The takeaway

The Pistons' decision to trade away Jaden Ivey after just one injury-plagued season highlights the tough business realities of professional sports, where teams may have to make difficult decisions on high draft picks if they don't immediately pan out as hoped.