The recent trade sending Jaden Ivey from the Detroit Pistons to the Chicago Bulls was anticipated to be a rejuvenating move for the young guard. However, just five games into his stint with the Bulls, Ivey finds himself unexpectedly sidelined.
In the Bulls' recent matchup against the Raptors, Ivey didn't see any action on the court, marking what he believes to be the first "Did Not Play" of his NBA career. Clearly frustrated, Ivey attributed his absence to lingering knee soreness, candidly admitting, “I’m not the same player I used to be. The old J.I. is dead.”
This situation raises questions about the Bulls’ strategy, especially considering their current rebuilding phase and crowded backcourt. While Ivey's absence might not be permanent, it certainly complicates his path as he approaches restricted free agency. Consistent playing time is crucial for Ivey to showcase his value, and right now, that seems uncertain.
From the Pistons' perspective, the trade isn’t yielding immediate dividends either. Kevin Huerter, acquired in the deal, also recorded a DNP-CD in the Pistons' victory over the Knicks, despite the team being shorthanded. With Javonte Green performing well and Caris LeVert finding his rhythm, Huerter’s role remains unclear.
Coach Bickerstaff appears to be favoring other options for the moment, leaving Huerter’s future minutes in question. While the trade was primarily about future assets and cap flexibility for Detroit, the hope was that Huerter could contribute off the bench, especially during times of need.
As it stands, the trade hasn’t provided the immediate impact either team was hoping for. Both Ivey and Huerter are left in limbo, and their respective teams are still searching for the benefits from this transaction. The coming months will be telling for both players as they navigate these uncertain waters.