As the NBA trade deadline on February 5 inches closer, the rumor mill is heating up-and the Detroit Pistons are right in the thick of it. One name generating buzz?
New Orleans Pelicans forward Herb Jones. According to recent reports, the Pistons are exploring the idea of sending second-year guard Jaden Ivey to New Orleans in a potential swap for the defensive-minded wing.
Now, let’s unpack what this could mean.
First, the Pistons’ openness to moving Ivey is notable. The 21-year-old guard, who was a top-five pick just a season ago, hasn’t quite solidified himself as a cornerstone in Detroit’s rebuild. While he’s shown flashes of explosive scoring and athleticism, the Pistons appear willing to shake things up-especially if it means landing a player who complements their current core.
Enter Herb Jones. He’s not going to light up the scoreboard-he’s averaging 9.5 points per game this season-but that’s not why teams covet him.
Jones is a defensive Swiss Army knife. His ability to guard multiple positions, disrupt passing lanes, and bring a high motor on every possession makes him one of the more underrated glue guys in the league.
At 27 years old, he brings experience without skewing too far from Detroit’s youth-focused timeline.
From a fit standpoint, Jones could slot in seamlessly alongside Cade Cunningham, Ron Holland, and Ausar Thompson. That trio is already known for its length and versatility, and adding Jones would only amplify those strengths. He’s the kind of player who doesn’t need the ball to make an impact, which could be a perfect complement to Cunningham’s ball-dominant style.
And let’s not forget the veteran presence on this roster. Tobias Harris and Caris LeVert continue to hold down leadership roles, and a player like Jones-who’s already earned his stripes in New Orleans-could bridge the gap between the young core and the vets.
For the Pelicans, the potential of acquiring Ivey is intriguing. While nothing is set in stone, the idea of adding a young, dynamic guard to a team that already features Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram could open up new offensive wrinkles. Ivey’s speed and ability to get downhill would give New Orleans a different dimension, especially if they’re looking to inject some youth into the backcourt.
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Jones, for his part, has returned from a season-ending shoulder injury last year and hasn’t missed a beat. In 23 games this season, he’s putting up 3.7 rebounds and 1.7 steals per game, while shooting 39.4% from the field and 33.3% from deep. Those numbers won’t wow you on paper, but anyone who’s watched him play knows the value he brings goes beyond the box score.
This potential deal isn’t about star power-it’s about fit, identity, and long-term vision. The Pistons are clearly evaluating what kind of team they want to be, and adding a high-IQ, defensive-minded veteran like Jones could help accelerate their growth. Meanwhile, the Pelicans might be looking to take a calculated swing on upside with Ivey.
With the deadline fast approaching, this is one to keep an eye on. It’s not the flashiest rumor out there, but it’s the kind of move that could quietly reshape the trajectory of both franchises.