Overview
- Detroit’s pick upgrade became official Friday after Minnesota’s win and Toronto’s loss fixed the Timberwolves’ first-round slot at No. 21.
- The swap came from a deadline deal and was protected for picks 1 through 19, so Detroit moves from its own No. 28 position up seven spots to No. 21.
- Detroit acquired the swap and Kevin Huerter in a three-team trade that sent Jaden Ivey to Chicago, and the Bulls later waived Ivey after off-court comments and injury concerns.
- The Pistons are 59-22 with the East’s top seed secured and visit the Pacers on Sunday with a chance to post their first 60-win season in two decades.
- Cade Cunningham returned this week from a collapsed lung on a minutes limit, is listed as available for the finale, and will fall short of the 65-game minimum for MVP consideration.