Pistons Face Key Roster Decisions with Daniss Jenkins, Jaden Ivey Ahead of Trade Deadline
With the trade deadline looming, the Detroit Pistons are heading into a pivotal stretch that could reshape the back end of their roster - and potentially alter the trajectory of their rebuild. Two names stand out in the conversation: Daniss Jenkins and Jaden Ivey, both guards, both trending in very different directions.
Daniss Jenkins Earning His Spot the Hard Way
Let’s start with Jenkins. The two-way rookie has quietly carved out a role in Detroit’s rotation, and it’s becoming harder to ignore his impact - even if the box score doesn’t always tell the full story.
Jenkins has shown flashes of being the kind of glue-guy every second unit needs. His shooting?
Inconsistent, no doubt. But he keeps the ball moving, organizes the offense, and brings a surprising level of defensive energy.
For a team that’s struggled to find stability on both ends, Jenkins has provided just enough to earn trust from the coaching staff.
The clock, however, is ticking. Jenkins is nearing the end of his two-way eligibility, and if the Pistons want him available for the postseason - or simply to keep riding this developmental wave - they’ll need to convert his deal to a standard NBA contract.
That likely means someone else has to go. The front office could wait until after the trade deadline, when roster spots often open up naturally. But if that doesn’t happen, the team may have to make a tough call, potentially waiving a player like Isaac Jones or Bobi Klintman to make room.
Jaden Ivey’s Role Clouded by Uncertainty
Then there’s Jaden Ivey - a former top pick and one of Detroit’s most talented young players. But his role has become a bit of a mystery as the deadline approaches.
In a recent loss to Phoenix, Ivey played just seven minutes - a head-scratching number for a player who was once viewed as a cornerstone of the rebuild. That limited run raised eyebrows and, fairly or not, has fueled trade chatter.
Now, to be clear, the Pistons don’t have to move Ivey. But if they’re looking to make a splash - or even a moderate roster shake-up - he’s the kind of young talent that could headline a deal. He still holds considerable upside, and there are teams around the league who might be willing to bet on his long-term development.
One of those teams could be the Brooklyn Nets, who the Pistons face on Sunday. That game could serve as a bit of a showcase - not just for Ivey, but also for Michael Porter Jr., whose name has been tied to the Pistons in recent weeks through various trade rumors.
There’s no confirmed deal on the table, and nothing has been reported as imminent. But in the NBA, silence around the deadline often speaks volumes. Porter Jr. sat out the Nets’ last game citing “personal issues,” which adds another layer of intrigue heading into Sunday’s matchup.
What’s Next?
The Pistons are at a decision point. With Jenkins, it’s about rewarding a player who’s earned his minutes and finding a way to keep him in the fold. With Ivey, it’s about determining whether he’s still part of the long-term vision - or if he becomes a trade chip in a larger move.
Detroit has spent most of the season trying to figure out what works, what doesn’t, and who fits with the young core. These next few days will be telling. Whether it’s a quiet deadline or a flurry of moves, the choices made now could shape the Pistons’ rebuild for years to come.
Thursday’s deadline can’t come soon enough - not just for answers, but for clarity on where this team is truly headed.