With the New Orleans Pelicans entering the NBA offseason having a hole at the center spot, one of the names many people have presented as a potential trade target is Isaiah Stewart. The Pistons' big makes a ton of sense for the Pelicans, as Troy Weaver drafted him back in 2020—he fits the tough defensive culture Joe Dumars is trying to build, and looks like an odd man out on that roster. Now, the path to getting Stew hasn’t seemed clearer, with The Athletic's Sam Amick reporting that Detroit has placed him on the trade block.
After the emergence of Paul Reed throughout the regular season and playoffs in the Pistons' backup center role, and Jalen Duren is set for a big payday, Stewart has become expendable.
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After two straight seasons of being complacent at the trade deadline and a similar story last offseason, Detroit is being urged by its fans and likely Cade Cunningham to be aggressive. It’s no secret that the Pistons need a secondary ball handler to take the pressure off Cunningham and are in dire need of a shooting influx. Dealing Stewart and his two-year $15 million annual salary is a great way to solve one or both of those flaws via trade.
When looking at the Pelicans roster, there isn’t a clear route to get Stewart other than the Pistons building a package around Stewart-plus for Trey Murphy III. Even though they need secondary ball handling, I don’t see them having interest in either Dejounte Murray or Jordan Poole.
However, that should not be a reason to rule out Stewart as a potential add this summer. If you’ve been following the NBA for a long time, you know the offseason is a crazy time, and we could very well see a three- or four-team deal that still sees New Orleans land Stewart.
I can’t imagine a world where he isn’t a top target for the front office, especially considering Detroit is now confirmed to be looking to move him. He fits everything that not just Weaver and Dumars have preached, but also the new head coach, Jamahl Mosley. Mosley is a defensive-minded coach who likes to see his team bully and outmatch opponents physically every night. In the modern NBA, there are very few players who match that mentality to the fullest degree, and Isaiah Stewart is one of them.
If the Pelicans upgrade the center spot, Stewart will be at the top of their list. He checks every box, and with him now confirmed to be available, don’t be shocked to see him in the Big Easy at the start of the 2026-27 season.
