Detroit — The Detroit Pistons traded Isaiah Stewart to the Memphis Grizzlies for three second-round picks, a source confirmed to The Detroit News Wednesday night.
The trade concluded Stewart’s six-year career in Detroit, during which he played 365 games, averaging 8.8 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game. Following the trade, here are three takeaways as to why the Pistons dealt Stewart.
More financial flexibility for a greater move
By trading Stewart to the Grizzlies, the Pistons have removed the two years and $30 million off their payroll. As a result, the Pistons now have over $20 million in projected cap space, accounting for Jalen Duren’s pending extension.
The move has created additional cap space for the Pistons, allowing them to pursue a desired prospect, such as Tyler Herro, in a potential deal with the Milwaukee Bucks. It has also made the Pistons a realistic destination for the upcoming free agent Norman Powell, who is expected to leave the Miami Heat following the franchise’s acquisition of Giannis Antetokounmpo.
However, the Pistons’ current cap space could allow them to acquire a higher-profile player in a potential trade. Following Antetokounmpo’s departure from the Bucks, the league’s next top trade targets are Jaylen Brown, Kyrie Irving and Kawhi Leonard.
Injury concerns
From the city’s personality to the Pistons’ legendary grit, Stewart embodied the spirit of Detroit every time he stepped onto the court. However, in recent years, injuries have become a growing concern for the veteran big man. After playing 71 games in 2022, Stewart’s subsequent seasons have been plagued by injuries. In his final three seasons with the Pistons, he missed a handful of games due to lower-leg issues.
This past season, Stewart missed three consecutive weeks due to a left calf injury he sustained in March. As a result of the additional time off, the Pistons cited it as a factor in his reduced role during the playoffs, where his minutes dropped to an average of 11.8 per game. Prior to the injury, Stewart averaged 22.7 minutes per game during the regular season.
Aside from recording eight blocks in the Pistons’ Game 3 loss to the Orlando Magic on April 25, Stewart did not have the same impact on either end of the court in the playoffs, leaving many to wonder whether he had fully recovered from his calf injury.
A greater role for Paul Reed
Paul Reed was instrumental for the Pistons this postseason, further contributing to the expendability of Stewart. For the second consecutive year, Reed’s playing time remained inconsistent. However, whenever coach J.B. Bickerstaff needed a spark or someone to fill a frontcourt vacancy due to injuries or suspensions, Reed was always ready to contribute.
Due to the postseason struggles of Stewart and Duren, Reed took the helm as the Pistons’ best big man. He appeared in nine playoff games and elevated Detroit’s play on both ends of the floor, averaging 7.4 points and 4.0 rebounds. During the regular season, in the 23 games in which he played 16 or more minutes, Reed averaged 13.3 points, 7.0 rebounds and 1.7 blocks.
After Stewart’s departure, Reed will serve as the main backup behind Duren. He is set to earn $5.6 million for the upcoming season, making him a cheaper option than Stewart.
coty.davis@detroitnews.com
@cotydavis_24
This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Isaiah Stewart trade gives Pistons financial flexibility for bigger move
Reporting by Coty M. Davis, The Detroit News / The Detroit News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Coty M. Davis, The Detroit News | USA TODAY Network
