The recent departure of Hamidou Diallo has made it clear that the Detroit Pistons are having a difficult time holding onto important player quality. Diallo’s departure from the Pistons and subsequent signing with the Shanxi Loongs in China brought attention to a troubling pattern for the team: players frequently depart the NBA following their stint in Detroit. There are concerns regarding the team’s scouting and development techniques given their lackluster performance in the draft, where they have only produced one player ranked in the top 100 in the league.

Due of their poor draft choices in the past, namely Stanley Johnson and Killian Hayes, the Pistons have come under fire. Both Hayes and Johnson have since moved on to less desirable roles; the latter was discarded and ultimately signed a minimum deal, highlighting the challenges players face when they leave the Pistons. In addition, the squad has witnessed a number of well-known players, including as Nerlens Noel and Evan Fournier, struggle to produce memorable performances.

Given these problems, the team is seen as a “feeder system” for players who are about to leave the league, which is concerning given their current situation. Troy Weaver’s executive choices have come under fire, especially those involving bold draft plans that haven’t worked out. It is hoped that the Pistons would strengthen their roster development and talent evaluation going forward under Trajan Langdon’s new leadership.

The Pistons’ persistent problems are more than just a matter of player retention; they are a reflection of deeper, systemic problems that the team needs to address in order to change its current course. In the upcoming seasons, observers and supporters alike will be attentively observing how the squad responds to these obstacles.

Detroit Pistons’ last lottery selection is “not sold.”

Since the Milwaukee Bucks swept them in the opening round of the 2019 playoffs, the Detroit Pistons have not qualified for the postseason. Since 2016, the basketball team representing Motor City has placed last in their division five times. Due to their failure to launch, Detroit received multiple lottery selections, including Cade Cunningham’s first-round selection in 2021.

The Pistons also drafted Killian Hayes (seventh overall in 2020), Jaden Ivey (fifth overall in 2022), Ausar Thompson (fifth overall in 2023), and Ron Holland (fifth overall in 2024) in addition to Cunningham. Since then, Hayes has joined the Nets, but one of the other four lottery selections may not have a guaranteed spot in Detroit on draft day.

NBA teams monitoring Jaden Ivey of the Detroit Pistons as a potential trade candidate.

Since joining the Detroit Pistons as a clutch scorer out of Purdue in 2022, Jaden Ivey has been an unusual fit. The 6-foot-4 Ivey was expected to be the shooting guard for the Pistons as Cade Cunningham was already established as the starting point guard.

Ivey has struggled to prevent turnovers thus far (7th most in 2023, 20th most in 2024). Each game, he has been able to send out 4.5 assists. Also, he has averaged 15.8 PPG. Ivey’s shooting ability isn’t exactly his strongest suit, either, as his 33.9% 3PT accuracy placed him 146th out of 160 players that qualified.

Thus, it comes as little surprise when Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report says that the Pistons “aren’t sold” on Ivey. However, he also said that there’s no proof the 22-year-old is being considered for a deal.

There are rumors throughout the league that Ivey isn’t a fit for the Pistons, but there isn’t any solid evidence to support that theory at this time. Alternatively, Detroit might be considering moving veterans in order to make room for young players and draft picks. Stewart, who has a generous $60 million contract over the next four seasons (player option), would be of interest to several teams.

Ivey’s contract expires in one year, after which he will become a restricted free agency in 2026. By October 31st, the Pistons must determine if Ivey’s $10.1 million team option for 2025 is exercised. Given that he has continued to be a productive player, chances are it gets exercised.

However, Detroit might eventually come to the conclusion that paying Ivey is not in their long-term goals. However, watching to see if the third-year player improves after another summer of growth isn’t a bad notion for a young Pistons squad full of promise.