The Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday made an unexpected move, acquiring Isaiah Stewart in a trade with the Detroit Pistons in exchange for three future second-round picks.
Stewart must be a seamless fit for the Grizzlies, especially with their physicality and ruggedness. He can also be a veteran presence to the young core.
Stewart, who was linked to the Los Angeles Lakers, was well-loved in Detroit. While he was tenacious and intimidating on the court, he was cheerful and amiable off it. Letting him go must have been tough for the Pistons. But as reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania, they had to do it.
“Pistons clear Stewart’s salary and pick up assets, while Grizzlies acquire a 25-year-old as a rugged frontcourt piece,” wrote Charania on X.
The Ringer’s Bill Simmons, meanwhile, had the perfect reaction to the trade.
“Sometimes, things are just meant to happen,” said Simmons on X.
Sometimes things are just meant to happen https://t.co/ervrOxl4ts
— Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) June 25, 2026
The Grizzlies have been trying to duplicate the grit-and-grind identity they had a few seasons ago. Stewart is a clear embodiment of that. He will add toughness and strength in the frontcourt, which also features Zach Edey, Cameron Boozer, Taylor Hendricks, Santi Aldama, and Olivier-Maxence Prosper.
Fans were thrilled with the development.
“He’s so Memphis,” said @Shadow12Flash.
“Most Memphis player ever,” echoed @LukaShow_77.
“If Z-Bo (Zach Randolph) was the perfect Grizzly, Isaiah Stewart is perfect Grizz 2.0,” added @m_sully23.
“Beef Stew to the Grizzlies and Braden Smith to the (Indiana) Pacers. Two matches made in typecast heaven,” stated @TheLetitRidePod.
“LeBron (James) is gonna hate Memphis even more now,” commented @Mel0Ten.
Obviously, it is still unclear what role Stewart will play. But as early as now, it is safe to assume that no one would want to get into a fight with the Grizzlies.
Stewart averaged 10.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks in 22 minutes off the bench for the Pistons this season.
The post Bill Simmons has perfect reaction to Isaiah Stewart being traded to Grizzlies appeared first on ClutchPoints.
