It's no secret that there will be significant changes to the Detroit Pistons roster in the offseason. Facing a ton of pressure to take a step forward, the Pistons must be aggressive to surround Cade Cunningham with more offensive firepower. Fortunately, they have the resources to do so, but this also means that a few fan favorites may be headed out the door.
One of those names is Isaiah Stewart. The latest rumors have been suggesting that Stewart may be a trade chip for the Pistons in the offseason negotiations.
One unconfirmed social media speculation mentioned a Stewart-for-Max Strus swap with the Cavaliers. Ku Khahil, the host of the Locked on Pistons podcast, later said that "if there is a young player that would be traded this summer, it's probably Isaiah Stewart."
Trading Isaiah Stewart may be necessary pain for the Pistons
As painful as this will be for Pistons fans, it makes a lot of sense. The Pistons have an abundance of centers, which leads to Paul Reed being out of the rotation despite deserving minutes. Reed has proven time and time again that he is a capable rotation big man, but there is simply not enough playing time between Jalen Duren, Stewart, and him.
Considering that Stewart makes $15 million next season, he is an expensive luxury to have for a team trying to become a title contender. The Pistons are about to get expensive this summer with new extensions for Ausar Thompson and Jalen Duren. Stewart is also eligible for an extension as he is entering the final year of his contract before the Pistons have to decide on a $15 million team option for the 2027-28 season.
Instead of giving Stewart a fair-value contract to play 10-15 minutes off the bench in the playoffs, the Pistons need to use their cap space more intelligently.
Stewart is still only 25 years old and should have suitors on the market. He has been one of the best backup bigs in the league for the last two seasons. He has managed to turn himself into an elite rim protector. With his physicality, strength, and rebounding, he would be an amazing fit for any team looking to build a defensive identity.
At this point in the offseason, Stewart and Caris LeVert look like the two most likely trade candidates on the Pistons. Combining their salaries and attaching draft capital would allow the Pistons to acquire a well-paid, high-end starter.
Stewart has been the heart and soul of this team for a long time. He will be hard to replace, but the Pistons have to make difficult decisions to become a true title contender. And that includes parting ways with fan favorites when the time is right.
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