The Memphis Grizzlies are trading for Detroit Pistons big man Isaiah Stewart after adding Cameron Boozer and Karim López as the headlining talents of the 2026 NBA Draft.
The Memphis Grizzlies used the second night of the 2026 NBA Draft to trade for veteran big man Isaiah Stewart from the Detroit Pistons, according to ESPN's Shams Charania.
The trade involves Stewart's salary going to Detroit and a draft package returning, while Memphis acquires a 25-year-old big man to strengthen its frontcourt, which has been under reconstruction this week.
Stewart averaged 10.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.1 assists in 22.7 minutes per game this past season, while shooting 55.0% from the floor. He also blocked 1.6 shots per game and was among the NBA's best interior defenders.
The trade is the second time the Grizzlies and Pistons have done business this week. On draft night, Memphis acquired the No. 21 pick from Detroit in a separate swap, using it on Mexican forward Karim Lopez of the New Zealand Breakers.
Memphis was creative with two trade-down maneuvers to add a total of five second-round picks while still landing the prospect they wanted. The Grizzlies began at the No. 16 slot before trading with Oklahoma City down to No. 17, then sent No. 17 to Detroit for No. 21.
The Grizzlies began the NBA Draft by using the No. 3 pick to select Duke forward Cameron Boozer. Boozer is coming off a dominant freshman season, averaging 22.5 points and 10.2 rebounds. Many consider him the most NBA-ready prospect in this class, providing Memphis with a key offensive focal point as the team moves into a new era.
The Pistons are gearing up to make a significant change to add offensive firepower to take pressure off of Cade Cunningham, but they need to free up money to do so. With Brandon Paul able to step into a larger role, trading Stewart's contract is viewed as a way to create that flexibility.
Memphis has multiple mechanisms it could use to absorb Stewart's $15 million salary. The Grizzlies have access to the $15 million mid-level exception and a $28.9 million trade exception. Memphis will continue to operate under the luxury tax after taking on Stewart's contract.
Stewart is signed through the 2027-28 season, continuing on a four-year, $60 million contract. The deal pays a flat $15 million salary throughout the life of the deal. However, he faces a final-year team option for 2027-28 that Memphis could decline if the front offices seek to maximize salary cap flexibility or if the Grizzlies seek to work out a new contract next summer.
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