NBA Trade Idea Sends Jaden Ivey to Mavs for $46 Million Vet

Despite the conclusion of the NBA Summer League sparking trade speculation, there are currently no active trade discussions involving Detroit Pistons guard Jaden Ivey. Teams might speculate about his potential availability, but the Pistons aren't actively seeking or receiving calls about trading him. The article notes that very few players are truly untouchable in the NBA, and Ivey isn't considered one for Detroit.

A hypothetical trade scenario proposed by Detroit Jock City involves the Pistons sending Ivey to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for combo forward PJ Washington, with no additional players or draft picks included. The rationale presented is that Dallas, needing backcourt help due to Kyrie Irving's injury but having a crowded frontcourt, could use Ivey. Meanwhile, Detroit would acquire Washington.

Contract details are highlighted: Ivey is set to earn $10.1 million in the 2025-2026 season, the final year of his current deal. PJ Washington's $46.5 million contract will also expire next summer, making him a 28-year-old free agent. While Ivey is seen as potentially more valuable than Washington, concerns are raised about his recent significant injury and his fit alongside Cade Cunningham, as Ivey is considered a better on-ball player than off-ball despite improved shooting.

The article contrasts the current situation with last year's doubts about the Ivey-Cunningham backcourt pairing. Those doubts arose after a 14-win season, but the duo demonstrated success on the court together in the limited 30 games they played (due to Ivey's injury). In those games, Ivey averaged 18 points, 4 assists, and 4 rebounds while shooting a career-high 41% from three-point range.

Currently, the Pistons need Ivey both as the starting shooting guard next to Cunningham and as Cunningham's primary backup, especially after losing Dennis Schroder to free agency. The team hasn't signed a replacement for Schroder and appears to be planning to use a combination of Ivey and Caris LeVert rather than adding a new veteran. The ideal outcome for Detroit would be Ivey returning healthy and performing well, potentially earning a long-term contract that secures his future with the team.