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NBA

Isaiah Stewart Traded to the Grizzlies, Detroit Frees Up Cap Space

The Pistons send their bulldozer to Memphis in exchange for three second-round Draft picks. Isaiah Stewart joins the Grizzlies' frontcourt alongside Cameron Boozer and Zach Edey, while Detroit looks to build around Cade Cunningham.
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Isaiah Stewart Traded to the Grizzlies, Detroit Frees Up Cap Space
Photo Credit : © Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

During the second round of the 2026 Draft, the Pistons officially traded Isaiah Stewart to the Grizzlies. The deal, reported by Shams Charania, sends the 25-year-old center to Tennessee in exchange for three future second-round Draft picks.

A Bear Joins the Grizzlies

A key sixth man for the Pistons this season, Isaiah Stewart is coming off one of the best years of his career: 10 points on 55% shooting, 5 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game in 22.7 minutes. He even received votes for the Sixth Man of the Year award. Despite a strong regular season on a team that finished first in the East with over 60 wins, the Rochester native averaged only 11.8 minutes per game in the playoffs, during which Detroit was eliminated in the conference semifinals by Cleveland.

In Memphis, Stewart will have a well-defined role: bringing toughness and defense to a young and promising frontcourt. He will play alongside Cameron Boozer, selected 3rd overall in the 2026 Draft, and Zach Edey, who was limited to 11 games last season due to ankle issues. A physical and complementary trio that echoes the Grit & Grind era beloved by Grizzlies fans.

Beyond the court, Stewart will bring the competitiveness that defines him. His intensity and competitive spirit are exactly what a young team searching for its identity needs.

Detroit Frees Up $15 Million to Fuel Big Ambitions

For the Pistons, this deal is first and foremost a financial move. With two years and $30 million remaining on his contract, Detroit gains valuable cap flexibility. The goal is clear: acquire an additional playmaker to support Cade Cunningham.

Several names are already circulating. Norman Powell is mentioned as a top priority. The Pistons are also reportedly in talks with Milwaukee about Tyler Herro. Meanwhile, Detroit must also manage the situations of Jalen Duren, Tobias Harris and Kevin Huerter as free agency approaches. LeBron James and Kawhi Leonard are also being mentioned…

It is also worth noting that the three second-round picks recovered in this trade are the exact same ones Detroit had sent to Memphis the day before to move up from 21st to 17th in the Draft, in order to select guard Ebuka Okorie (Stanford). Paul Reed, impressive during the playoffs, is ready to take over the minutes vacated by Stewart.

With career averages of 8.8 points and 6.8 rebounds at Detroit, Isaiah Stewart will be remembered as one of the most physical interior defenders in the league. His coach JB Bickerstaff once called him “the standard-bearer of our identity.” One chapter closes for the Pistons, and a new one opens for the Grizzlies.

Zach Edey
Zach Edey
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Nicolas Flamecourt
With a background in sports management, Nicolas Flamecourt covers NBA news with a particular passion for the North American league, which he has been following for several years. He also covers the NCAA, including news and scouting of future prospects, and regularly conducts interviews with French players as well as players competing in Europe.
Isaiah Stewart Traded to the Grizzlies, Detroit Frees Up Cap Space - BeBasket