Trade Proposal Sends Pistons’ Isaiah Stewart To Cavaliers

One NBA analyst proposed that the Cleveland Cavaliers acquire Isaiah Stewart from the Detroit Pistons. 

Caleb Crowley of King James Gospel proposed that the Cavaliers trade Isaac Okoro to the Pistons for Stewart.

“While the Cavaliers initially targeted a big 3-and-D wing in exchange for Okoro, deal the young wing for a long-term backup center to fill out a lacking frontcourt rotation,” Crowley wrote in his NBA trade proposal. “Neither the Pistons nor Cavaliers would likely include trade assets in a deal, making a one-for-one the best path to a trade. Where the Cavs lack in frontcourt options, the Pistons have a slight abundance.

“During free agency, the Philadelphia 76ers waived Paul Reed, and the Pistons quickly claimed him. With the emergence of Jalen Duren as a star big, Stewart’s role in Detroit could be in question this season. The Pistons are still in need of a greater presence on defense, making an anchor wing like Okoro worth the loss of Stewart.

“Last season, the Pistons ranked 25th in the league for defensive rating, making it their biggest need this summer. Okoro offers instant improvement as a point-of-attack defender and overall tenacious talent. Giving Okoro another chance to prove himself as a starting-caliber wing in Detroit could be a perfect situation for both the Pistons and Okoro.”

Stewart averaged 10.9 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 0.4 steals and 0.8 blocks for the Pistons last season while shooting 48.7% from the field, 38.3% from beyond the arc and 75.3% from the free-throw line. He’ll make $15 million next season. 

Okoro appeared in 69 games for the Cavaliers in 2023-24. He averaged 9.4 points, 3.0 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 0.8 steals and 0.5 blocks while shooting 49.0% from the field, 39.1% from beyond the arc and 67.9% from the free-throw line. 

“Trading Okoro for Stewart is a relatively lateral move, swapping a raw wing prospect for a raw frontcourt prospect,” Crowley wrote in his NBA trade proposal. “Earlier trade talks showed the Cavaliers’ motive was to add a clear improvement on the wing in exchange for Okoro. While this deal still gives the Cavs an answer for a lingering need, it would undoubtedly be a sign that Cleveland lacks the assets to improve the roster in the ways they want.”