The Detroit Pistons are once again exceeding expectations under coach J.B. Bickerstaff.

After finishing in the top six of the Eastern Conference last season, their 24-8 record this season has them atop the East. But questions remain about their approach at the Feb. 5 trade deadline. Plus, what’s the plan for fourth-year guard Jaden Ivey as he works his way back after an 11-month layoff due to injury?

We’ve got you covered on answers for those questions and more. Let’s unpack. (Questions have been lightly edited for style, clarity and grammar.)

Where do you see the front office’s priority being placed on at the trade deadline: Keep going with the good vibes or push all-in by packaging Tobias Harris’ expiring deal (despite being a locker room favorite) along with a young piece and draft capital for an established borderline star? — Bradley K.

I’m still expecting Detroit’s front office to be opportunistic but not aggressive. The Pistons have a slim lead over the New York Knicks for the No. 1 seed in the conference. Trajan Langdon, Detroit’s president of basketball operations, has openly expressed his desire to let the team continue growing internally since taking over at the beginning of last season.

While there could be some chances to improve around the margins — say another reliable 3-point shooter outside of Duncan Robinson or a scoring threat off the bench — don’t expect the Pistons to sacrifice their youth and draft capital to make any big-swing trades that could alter the fabric of the roster.

I know some fans seem to want Detroit to push all-in, but given how much youth this team has, I just don’t see it as of now. The Pistons have exceeded expectations in two consecutive seasons, and they’re just getting to experiment with what they can become as a healthy unit.

It’s hard to argue with allowing a first-place team the runway to reach its full potential.

Has J.B. spoken about the plan for Ivey? Given his role pre-injury, it seems fairly evident that he’s on a minutes restriction and being eased back in. But is there a timeline of sorts? Is the goal to have him return to the starting lineup? Sixth man? What should we expect moving forward? — Mark C.

Bickerstaff spoke directly to the plan for Ivey ahead of the Pistons’ win over the Sacramento Kings. He said there’s “a plan in place for him to ramp up where he’s comfortable, where he’s confident, so that he can get back to playing the bulk minutes.” Bickerstaff made no mention of a timeline or gave specifics on the details of the plan.

As things stand, it’s safe to assume Ivey will continue to come off the bench for the foreseeable future. Advanced stats, however, support a potential reunion between Ivey and Cade Cunningham as Detroit’s backcourt if Bickerstaff decides to make that move down the road.