It's no secret that the Detroit Pistons will swing big to add more offensive firepower this summer. Cade Cunningham desperately needs more help, and GM Trajan Langdon has hinted at the front office's efforts to make the necessary moves.
To add more talent, you need to give up assets. The Pistons have draft capital, to be sure, but matching salary is also needed to make a trade. With the 2026 NBA Draft right around the corner, who will be that matching salary for the Pistons is becoming clearer.
Isaiah Stewart's departure is inevitable this summer
On Friday, NBA insider Jake Fischer reported that Pistons fan favorite Isaiah Stewart is firmly on the trade block. In fact, he said that Stewart is "not merely available but outright bracing for a trade that sends him elsewhere this summer as part of any move that the Pistons make to bolster their shooting and playmaking depth."
This confirms reporting from earlier in the offseason that Stewart is one of the most likely Pistons to be traded. It turns out that there are already multiple suitors lining up to trade for the fan favorite.
Fischer named a couple of teams that are interested in the defensive stalwart. The Bucks, Celtics, Heat, and Spurs are all reportedly landing spots for Stewart. The fact that he has multiple interested parties makes a Beef Stew trade very likely over the next couple of weeks.
Stewart having fans around the league is hardly surprising. The 25-year-old has emerged as one of the best rim protectors and backup bigs in the league. His offensive game has not improved enough for him to be a full-time starter, but he is an excellent defender and rebounder.
Plus, he only makes $15 million for next season, and there is a team option for another $15 million for the 2027-28 season. This is a team-friendly deal for a young player who can still improve.
The reason Detroit wants to move on from him is Paul Reed's emergence. The Pistons arguably have the best third-string center in the league in Reed. Since he is on a cheaper contract than Stewart, making him the backup center behind Jalen Duren is a better use of resources.
Instead of having a very overqualified third center in the rotation, the Pistons can move Stewart and his $15 million salary slot to bring in more shooting and playmaking.
This isn't to say that Stewart is the only player the Pistons are moving. Depending on the availability of players like Trey Murphy and Kyrie Irving, Detroit may have to include one of Caris LeVert, Ron Holland, or Duncan Robinson in a trade, as well. Between all of these potential trade candidates, however, Pistons fans have to prepare for Stewart's departure the most.
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