Isaiah Stewart’s time in Detroit might be wrapping up sooner than expected. According to a report from Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, the Pistons are not just open to trading the 25-year-old big man — they’re actively preparing to move him this offseason as part of a broader roster overhaul.
“League sources say that the Pistons’ Isaiah Stewart is not merely available but outright bracing for a trade that sends him elsewhere this summer as part of any move that the Pistons make to bolster their shooting and playmaking depth,” Fischer wrote. The language is unusually direct for this time of year. Usually you hear “listening to offers” or “gauging interest.” This sounds like they’ve already made up their minds.
Stewart put up solid numbers in 2025-26: 10.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.6 blocks and 1.1 assists per game while shooting 55 percent from the field and 33.3 percent from three. Those aren’t star stats, but they’re useful for a physical big who can guard multiple positions and stretch the floor a little. That combo tends to get calls.
Bucks among teams that like him
Fischer specifically mentioned Milwaukee as a team that values Stewart. “Sources say that the Bucks, furthermore, are Stewart fans,” he reported. It’s not hard to see why. The Bucks have needed frontcourt depth for a while now, and Stewart’s ability to body up bigger players while occasionally stepping out to hit a three fits their system.
Contrast that with veteran forward Tobias Harris, who appears safe in Detroit’s plans. Fischer noted that the team is “determined to retain” Harris after his strong postseason run. So the front office isn’t just blowing things up for the sake of it. They’re being selective.
What went wrong after a 60-win season
Detroit finished 60-22 and grabbed the No. 1 seed in the East. That’s impressive for a franchise that was lottery-bound a couple years ago. But the playoffs were a different story. The Pistons nearly blew a 3-1 lead against Orlando before scraping through, then lost to Cleveland in seven games in the second round. A 60-win team that can’t get past the conference semifinals has to ask some hard questions.
Now they’re looking at the 2026 NBA Draft and a summer full of potential moves. Stewart is one of the first dominoes. The draft runs Tuesday and Wednesday at Barclays Center, but a trade could happen before then or after. Nothing is imminent, Fischer said, but the message is clear: Detroit wants to get better, and Stewart is the price of admission.
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