Isaiah Stewart suspected his time with the Detroit Pistons was nearing its end before the trade finally arrived.
What he did not know was where he would land.
Stewart opened up about his departure from Detroit in an Andscape profile, telling Marc J. Spears that he had felt underappreciated during his final season and prayed with his wife, Kiley, for an opportunity with an organization that valued him.
The Pistons traded Stewart to the Memphis Grizzlies during the second round of the NBA draft for three future second-round picks. The deal ended a six-season run for Detroit’s longest-tenured player and removed the remaining two years and $30 million from his contract.
“I didn’t know how to feel, Stewart told Andscape. “I wasn’t mad about it. I was happy that I was moving on to a new chapter.
Stewart learned from his agent that the Los Angeles Lakers and Washington Wizards were possible destinations. Detroit president Trajan Langdon instead accepted Memphis’ offer.
“I’d rather be where I’m wanted,” Stewart said.
Isaiah Stewart Felt His Pistons Role Changing
Stewart’s final season offered clues that Detroit was prepared to move in another direction.
The 25-year-old averaged 10.0 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.6 blocks in 58 games while shooting 55% from the field. He finished seventh in Sixth Man of the Year voting and helped Detroit win 60 games and secure the Eastern Conference’s No. 1 seed.
His role diminished during the playoffs.
After averaging 22.7 minutes during the regular season, Stewart played only 11.8 minutes per game in the postseason. His production fell to 4.0 points and 2.4 rebounds as the Pistons were eliminated by Cleveland in the second round.
“Bittersweet. We had a great season,” Stewart said.
Stewart told Andscape that Langdon informed him during their first meeting in 2024 that he could eventually become a trade candidate. The warning did not make the ending easier for a player who endured Detroit’s 28-game losing streak before helping restore the franchise’s defensive identity.
“I have just so much love for the city of Detroit,” Stewart said. “They welcomed me with open arms. Coming in at 19, I instantly went to the community just naturally. There are a lot of great people that are doing a lot of great things in Detroit.”
Stewart appeared in 365 regular-season games for the Pistons, averaging 8.8 points and 6.8 rebounds. His physical style made him both a fan favorite and an occasional source of frustration because of his suspensions and technical fouls.
Detroit Chose Flexibility Over Familiarity
Getty Isaiah Stewart of the Detroit Pistons reacts after a second half basket while playing the Chicago Bulls with Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren at Little Caesars Arena on October 28, 2023 in Detroit, Michigan. Detroit won the game 118-102.
Trading Stewart created $15 million in immediate financial flexibility and clarified Detroit’s frontcourt hierarchy around All-Star center Jalen Duren.
The Pistons used their available resources to reshape the roster, adding John Collins, Isaiah Joe, Taurean Prince, Gary Harris and rookie guard Ebuka Okorie. Stewart’s departure also created a larger role for Paul Reed behind Duren.
Duren remains unsigned as a restricted free agent amid a contract standoff with Detroit. Stewart told Andscape that his former teammate proved himself worthy of a lucrative extension after earning All-Star and All-NBA honors.
Memphis offers Stewart something different. The rebuilding Grizzlies have paired him with Zach Edey and No. 3 pick Cameron Boozer in a young, physical frontcourt.
Stewart believes his style fits the franchise’s old “Grit & Grind” identity. Memphis fans have already embraced the connection.
Detroit will miss the force Stewart brought from the bench, particularly his rim protection and willingness to challenge opponents. The Pistons decided the financial flexibility and future assets mattered more.
Stewart, after privately hoping for a fresh start, sounds ready to prove both teams made the right decision.
Isaiah Stewart Breaks Silence on Emotional Pistons Exit