Trade idea: Detroit Pistons' backup big would fit well in Memphis

With the NBA regular season fast approaching, Bleacher Report suggested ways for each of the 30 teams to improve their rosters .

The B/R writer Grant Hughs suggested Detroit Pistons center Isaiah Stewart as the Memphis Grizzlies' hypothetical top trade target in the forthcoming 2024-25 NBA season.

An ideal piece for Memphis

Stewart, 23, has spent his past four seasons in the NBA as a member of the Pistons. The 16th overall pick of the 2020 Draft averaged 10.9 points and 6.6 rebounds with a career-best 38.3 percent three-point shooting across 46 games last 2023-24 season.

Hughs is convinced that the Grizzlies should monitor Stewart and consider him as a trade target, especially if they discover that Zach Edey can not handle the responsibility of anchoring the starting center position.

Stewart, with his long-range shooting and rigor, fits perfectly alongside Jaren Jackson Jr., he argues.

"If the Memphis Grizzlies get some early evidence that Zach Edey isn't ready to handle full-time starting center duties, a quick pivot to someone like Stewart would make sense. Though undersized, the Pistons big man brings exactly the kind of tenacity that plays well in Memphis," B/R's Hughs wrote . "If his 38.3 percent three-point stroke from last year is more than a blip, Beef Stew could also pair nicely with Jaren Jackson Jr. in rare two-big, five-out looks."

Analyzing Memphis' trade chances for Beef Stew

Stewart, whose nickname is Beef Stew, is an intriguing name for Memphis. Beyond his shooting skill set and aggressiveness, his imposing demeanor and hardworking attitude would fit right in with the Grizzlies' gritty culture.

Detroit would give him up easily

Isaiah appeared in plenty of the league's trade chatter this past offseason. While it is yet to be seen if he'll reappear in the rumor mill again, Memphis might have to put assets on the table and match the center's current contract, which pays $15MM annually, to convince the Pistons to pull the trigger.

Detroit won't easily give up Stewart for free, as he has been integral to their rebuild.

Holding several high-value players and draft capital, Zach Kleiman and the Grizzlies are in a good position to orchestrate a splash in the trade market sooner or later.

The entire organization remains spirited about the current roster's chances to compete in the new season, but if things don't go well, there are adjustments can be made, like pursuing a trade for Stewart.

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