Jalen Duren talks Jaden Ivey reunion after deal with Bulls

The Detroit Pistons‘ streak reached five games after crushing the Chicago Bulls 126-110. However, the emotions exchanged after the game took over many of the headlines from Saturday’s game.

Saturday night’s game was the first time the Pistons shared the court with a former teammate Poor Ivey after the former first round pick was traded to Chicago at the NBA trade deadline. The entire Detroit team went to talk and catch up with Ivy in a very emotional hug.

Detroit Center Jalen Duren was asked about their relationship with Ivy after the game.

“That’s my brother, man. I’ve been in the league with him since day one. That’s family forever, bro. That’s my favorite player, I love that guy,” Duren said, fighting back tears.

Detroit finds itself in a difficult situation regarding Ivey’s future. He suffered a terrible leg injury against the Orlando Magic when guard Cole Anthony dove into his leg. He was taken off the floor on a stretcher and missed the rest of his third season.

After completing his rehab, Ivey suffered another injury during the preseason. He needed another operation to cure his knee problems in the 2025-26 season. Injuries affected his game a lot as his numbers dropped drastically. His once unstoppable speed has diminished and his high-profile athleticism hasn’t looked the same.

Instead of waiting for his recovery, the Pistons decided to trade Ivey to the Bulls for forward Kevin Huerter. Ivey played out a contract year as a restricted free agent. Detroit decided to give Ivey a fresh start elsewhere rather than gamble on waiting for his recovery to negotiate a contract extension.

Ivey was putting up the best results of his career before that injury. The Pistons saw a significant rebound with 17.6 points per game on 46% shooting from the field and 40.9% from 3-point range.

Ivey was drafted by the Pistons with Duren in the first round during the 2022 NBA Draft. The former Purdue guard was selected No. 5 overall before Detroit traded up to acquire Duren at No. 13.

Jalen Duren dominates in his return to the lineup

The Pistons have Duren back on their roster returned from suspension. After missing the previous two games due to a fight against the Charlotte Hornets, the Pistons’ All-Star center looked like he hadn’t missed a step against the Bulls.

Duren was the focal point of Detroit’s dominance in its road win. He scored 26 points and pulled down 13 rebounds, his 25th double-double of the season. Duren’s offensive rebounding continued to produce at an elite level, with six more against Chicago.

The Pistons are still without backup center Isaiah Stewart for the next four games because of the brawl. Veteran big man Paul Reed once again filled in well in Stewart’s absence, scoring 15 points and grabbing nine rebounds.

All-Star play Cade Cunningham almost ended the night with a triple-double. Cunningham scored 18 points, dished out 13 assists and grabbed nine rebounds. Forward Tobias Harris also added 18 points in 30 minutes. Guard Duncan Robinson had a hot shooting night with 17 points and five 3-pointers.