The Detroit Pistons' 2 best and worst contracts

Worst contract #1: Isaiah Stewart, 4 years/$60 million, final year a team option 

Stewart’s contract is not horrific, and certainly doesn’t rank anywhere near the worst contracts in the NBA. For a quick comparison, Patrick Williams of the Bulls got a 5 year/$90 million deal with a player option in the final year, insanity for a guy who has accomplished even less than Stewart. 

By that measure, Stewart is a decent value. 

But here’s the issue: Stewart has played in 96 total games the last two seasons and even though he’s improved every year he’s been in the league, there are guys who put up similar numbers who are making much less. 

One of them is on the roster in Paul Reed. Just look at his numbers, he was very close to Stewart’s stats in 11 fewer minutes per game on average, played all 82 games and had more blocks and steals per game than Stewart. 

And Reed makes half of what Stewart makes. 

The Pistons were betting on continued improvement from Stewart, and if they get it, this deal could end up being a great value. But as of right now, it’s an overpay for a role player who puts up Paul Reed-like numbers but makes twice as much while playing half as many games.

This is one of the reasons I wouldn’t be shocked to see Stewart traded at some point next season, as they can get similar production for cheaper. 

At best this deal will turn out to be a proper payday for a quality role player, at worst it will look like an overpay for a guy who misses too many games.