The Detroit Pistons moved off their longest-tenured player during the second round of the 2026 NBA Draft on Wednesday, trading big man Isaiah Stewart to the Memphis Grizzlies.
In return, Detroit received three future second-round draft picks and cleared cap space, with many anticipating a major follow-up move.
NBA World Erupts As Pistons Fan Favorite Isaiah Stewart Heads to Grizzlies
Drafted 16th in the 2020 NBA Draft, Stewart has made a name for himself as a blue-collar, two-way energy big man and enforcer for Detroit.
The 25-year-old has made headlines on numerous occasions for not hesitating to come to his teammates’ defense by involving himself in on-court skirmishes.
Isaiah Stewart has been traded to the Memphis Grizzlies
We’ll never forget the good times in Detroit pic.twitter.com/ElCOW9vHcB
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) June 25, 2026
However, with the Eastern Conference’s first-seeded Pistons (60-22) ultimately bowing out in the second round of the 2026 playoffs, big changes were expected to occur this offseason. Between that and reserve center Paul Reed’s strong play on a cheaper contract, Stewart and the final two years of his four-year, $60 million deal became expendable.
Stewart now lands with a rebuilding Memphis team coming off a 25-57 season to serve as a backup big man and veteran presence for the young squad. He will have the opportunity to mentor the likes of incoming No. 3 pick Cameron Boozer and center Zach Edey in the Grizzlies’ frontcourt.
The shake-up left the NBA community on X buzzing, with many hailing Memphis’ forward-thinking move.
“Isaiah Stewart is such a fun culture piece to add to a young core of Cameron Boozer, Zach Edey, and Cedric Coward. These Memphis vibes are moving me!!!!” NBA content creator and longtime Grizzlies fan Molly Morrison raved.
isaiah stewart is such a fun culture piece to add to young core of cameron boozer, zach edey, and cedric coward. these memphis vibes are moving me!!!!
— Molly Morrison (@mollyhannahm) June 25, 2026
“Grit n Grind 2.0 era is clearly coming in Memphis with Isaiah Stewart joining Cam Boozer, Zach Edey, Cedric Coward, and this whole young Grizzlies core,” Yahoo Sports’ Kevin O’Connor wrote.
Grit n Grind 2.0 era is clearly coming in Memphis with Isaiah Stewart joining Cam Boozer, Zach Edey, Cedric Coward, and this whole young Grizzlies core.
— Kevin O’Connor (@KevinOConnor) June 25, 2026
“The Grizzlies desperately needed a guy like Isaiah Stewart… and they got him,” ESPN’s Sam Block noted.
The Grizzlies desperately needed a guy like Isaiah Stewart… and they got him.
— Sam Block (@theblockspot) June 25, 2026
Meanwhile, some anticipated Detroit eyeing a notable offseason addition to its Cade Cunningham-led core.
“Isaiah Stewart will go into either the NTMLE as a TPE (more likely) or the Jaren Jackson Jr TPE (less likely) for the Grizzlies. This could be a sign the Detroit Pistons are gearing up to go the cap space route this offseason. Something to keep an eye on!” Spotrac’s Keith Smith pointed out.
Isaiah Stewart II will go into either the NTMLE as a TPE (more likely) or the Jaren Jackson Jr TPE (less likely) for the Grizzlies.
This could be a sign the Detroit Pistons are gearing up to go the cap space route this offseason. Something to keep an eye on!
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) June 25, 2026
“Not sure if I love the dump here of Isaiah Stewart for some second-round picks for Detroit, but there has to be a pretty sneaky big move coming…” No Ceilings NBA’s Nathan Grubel predicted.
Not sure if I love the dump here of Isaiah Stewart for some second-round picks for Detroit, but there has to be a pretty sneaky big move coming… https://t.co/5fw0GKwlxJ
— Nathan Grubel (@DraftDeeper) June 25, 2026
“I believe this is a move to clear immediate cap space for Norman Powell, not a trade for Tyler Herro,” ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel theorized.
I believe this is a move to clear immediate cap space for Norman Powell, not a trade for Tyler Herro. https://t.co/oBhKSwvHG1
— Brett Siegel (@BrettSiegelNBA) June 25, 2026
That speculation only intensified when ESPN’s Brian Windhorst later named veteran star forwards Kawhi Leonard and LeBron James as potential high-profile targets for Detroit after moving on from Stewart.
The Pistons will try to go big-game hunting after the Isaiah Stewart trade, per @WindhorstESPN on ESPN’s draft broadcast.
He said Detroit was going to make a run at Austin Reaves before the Lakers locked him up. He mentioned Kawhi Leonard and LeBron James as possible targets. 👀 pic.twitter.com/dVAaKrHPL7
— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) June 25, 2026
Across 58 outings this past season, Stewart averaged 10.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game, shooting 55.0% overall and 33.3% from 3-point range.
