Isaiah Stewart trade could tell Pistons fans a lot about new front office

The Detroit Pistons are going to be mentioned in any and all trade rumors before the deadline, as they have the right roster makeup to suit the rumor mill. 

They have veterans on expiring deals that contenders will come calling about, as well as a big need for additional draft assets. 

Detroit also has cap space and an open roster spot, so if they wanted to add pieces to make a run at the play-in, they could also go in that direction. 

We could see some combination of the two as the Pistons pile together contracts and a young player to swing for an impact upgrade. 

Michael Scotto of HoopsHype recently put together a list of trade candidates on every team and the Pistons he chose reflected the multitude of options the Pistons will have at the deadline. 

It wasn’t surprising to see him name Tim Hardaway Jr., Malik Beasley and Paul Reed, as they are all veterans on some manner of expiring contract who could help a contender. I was somewhat surprised to see Isaiah Stewart’s name listed and I am not sure I agree with it. 

The Pistons have resisted overtures for Stewart in the past, most notably from team president Trajan Langdon when he was GM of the Pelicans, who were reportedly sniffing around Stewart last season. 

He’s also playing well, is the team’s best interior defender and is a big part of their chemistry and identity. That doesn’t mean they won’t trade him, or at least listen to offers, but it would have to be a good one to give up on Stewart, who has improved every season he’s been in the league and is on a reasonable deal. 

If the Detroit Pistons do trade Beef Stew, it will tell us plenty about this front office and how they view the current roster. 

Does Trajan Langdon value players from the old regime? 

Trajan Langdon didn’t draft Isaiah Stewart and didn’t sign him to his current extension, so he has little connection from a business perspective. 

When Langdon took over, I thought anyone was on the table and if they trade Stewart, that will prove to be true even though he was much more patient than some fans expected or wanted when it came to tearing down the roster. 

Trading Stewart means the front office doesn’t think the Pistons are close 

In some ways, Stewart is the perfect player for a team that is already good, as he’s best suited as a backup who does a little of everything. 

The Pistons are not yet a good team, and trading Stewart would be an admission of that, as it would more or less be waving the white flag for this season unless he was part of a package that brought back a better player. 

If you think your team is on the brink of being really good, then Stewart is the type of player you want, as he can contribute without need a ton of shots or having the ball in his hands, but if you think you’re still a few years away from serious competition, he might net you a nice haul in a trade. 

The Pistons think Isaiah Stewart is overpaid or is not the right fit with Jalen Duren 

I’m not so sure Duren won’t ultimately be the center that gets shipped off, though he has been better of late. 

JD is eligible for a contract extension next summer and there is no guarantee he’s going to get it. 

But trading Stewart would be a clear sign that the Pistons aren’t satisfied with this duo moving forward, and I couldn’t blame them, as both guys have major weaknesses.  

I don’t think the Pistons will ultimately trade Isaiah Stewart, but they will likely be listening to plenty of offers come February and if the right one falls in their lap, it’s possible, especially if the Pistons aren't near the play-in.