The Detroit Pistons traded Isaiah Stewart to the Memphis Grizzlies for three second-round draft picks during the 2026 NBA Draft, and the franchise did it to finally build a title contender roster around Cade Cunningham. The superstar has wanted that for years. Detroit dumping Beef Stew’s $15 million salary for the 2026-27 season gives them even more flexibility to make moves. Cunningham's desire is clear, and the team is preparing to get him a co-star.
The Pistons have to figure out the futures of Jalen Duren and Ausar Thompson this offseason. Their roster will get significantly more expensive. Duren will command a monster contract, and Thompson will want to be handsomely paid. The Pistons have to add a co-star and get these two signed if they want to build a serious title contender around Cade.
The Pistons need an offensive creator capable of spacing the floor and making plays next to Cunningham. There is no reason to dump Beef Stew unless Detroit has that move lined up. They’ve been linked to several targets, and Cade may be getting his co-star this summer.
The Pistons are clearly eager to build around Cade Cunningham
This is a clear shift. The Pistons decided against a big upgrade at the deadline, despite Detroit sitting atop the Eastern Conference standings. Their only move was acquiring Kevin Huerter, who didn’t help in the playoffs. Detroit paid for their lack of activity dearly as they were upset by the Cavaliers in the second round of the playoffs.
The Pistons were rumored to be targeting Austin Reaves before the Lakers re-signed him to a max contract. AR would be the perfect fit, and Detroit should be exploring names like Kyrie Irving, Kawhi Leonard, and Trey Murphy III. Maybe a mystery name hits the market that becomes the perfect fit in Detroit.
Cade wants upgrades, and the Pistons made the precursor move by trading Stewart. Beef Stew averaged 10.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks in 22.7 minutes per game this season. He struggled in the playoffs, but Detroit has no reason to dump him for three second-round picks unless they are lining up a marquee move.
Cade proved he can be the best player on a title-contending roster. He led the Pistons to the best record in the East and averaged over 28 points per game in the playoffs. That is what the best players on the planet do, and the 24-year-old is just entering his prime.
This is the Pistons' shot. If they overpay Duren or Ausar, things will get complicated. Detroit has room and needs to find a true co-star. They can’t expect Duren to fill that role after his playoff struggles. Trading for a scorer and playmaker is a must, and the Isaiah Stewart trade signals something could be brewing.
The Detroit Pistons traded away their backup big man. Fans may be confused as to why Cade Cunningham is getting what he wants, but this clears cap space to make a bigger move. The Pistons know the time is now, and they are on the clock with Cade. Expect something big to come.
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