NBA TRADE: Pistons Trade Isaiah Stewart To Western Conference
Just in: The Detroit Pistons are trading C/F Isaiah Stewart to the Memphis Grizzlies for three future second-round picks, sources tell ESPN. Pistons clear Stewart's salary and pick up assets while Grizzlies acquire a 25-year-old as a rugged frontcourt piece. pic.twitter.com/V8zbaI5OXr
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 25, 2026
From the Pistons' standpoint, they were looking to clear out some salary, and they now get themselves off of the $15M owed to Stewart next season (there's also a team option for 2027-28).
Speculation immediately began about this being a move to set up another big move for Detroit, as they're looking to add another dynamic scoring guard/wing next to Cade Cunningham, per Brett Siegel. The main target, he says, is Miami Heat UFA Norman Powell.
If the Pistons are able to use that newfound financial flexibility to bring in a Powell (or a Tyler Herro), this is a tremendous move.
Stewart has been a lightning rod for controversy in his six years in the Motor City, having collected five separate suspensions totalling 15 games.
Beef Stew will now line up on a rugged front line with the imposing 7'4", 300-pound Zach Edey, and this year's No. 3 pick Cameron Boozer, a 6-foot-9, 250-pounder. Rival teams will not enjoy facing that trio down low.
The 25-year-old Stewart averaged 10 points and 5.0 rebounds in 58 games last season and has career marks of 8.8 ppg and 6.8 boards. The Grizzlies will take advantage of a trade exception to absorb Stewart’s salary.
