By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The Memphis Grizzlies fortified their frontcourt physical presence during Wednesday’s second round of the 2026 NBA Draft, presented by State Farm, acquiring forward-center Isaiah Stewart from the Detroit Pistons.
According to ESPN senior NBA insider Shams Charania, Detroit agreed to part with the 25-year-old big in exchange for a package consisting of three future second-round draft selections. The transaction successfully removes Stewart’s contract from Detroit’s long-term salary books while simultaneously netting future assets for their front office.
Memphis absorbed the player’s salary using a prior trade exception, a move that ironically returns draft capital to Detroit that they had traded away just 24 hours earlier. The veteran of 380 NBA games brings elite rim protection to Tennessee to complement Zach Edey.
Last season, Stewart limited opponents to exceptionally low interior shooting percentages. He arrives in Memphis following a highly successful campaign where he registered a career-high 31 points against Chicago and served as a premier defensive anchor off the bench. Meanwhile, Detroit plans to utilize this newly engineered financial freedom to pursue high-profile free agents who can provide perimeter scoring alongside playmaker Cade Cunningham.
In another second-round transaction revealed by Charania, the Chicago Bulls selected guard Braden Smith with the 38th overall pick, only to trade his rights to the Indiana Pacers. In exchange, they secured 24-year-old combo guard Kam Jones alongside future draft swaps and cash considerations. By integrating the former Marquette standout, who recently flashed immense playmaking upside during his rookie year, Chicago shakes up its backcourt depth with proven young talent.
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