Pistons Could Shop Jaden Ivey Before Deadline

Merlin hears the Pistons leading the East but leaning toward restraint at the Feb. 5 deadline. Insider Jake Fischer says the team "aren't in any hurry to sacrifice prime draft capital or significant trade equity to make a major in-season addition." With Jalen Duren and Ausar Thompson nearing new deals, Detroit is keeping its cap sheet clean while quietly "gauging the market for fourth-year guard Jaden Ivey." Merlin sees the reasoning. A 28-10 surprise season makes preserving the young core wiser than a risky splash move. Ivey, just 23, has battled a fibula injury and knee surgery and is averaging 8.3 points in limited minutes, so he is the likeliest movable piece to fetch role players or picks without endangering the future.