What does the prototypical modern NBA big man look like to you?Are you picturing a big, lumbering monster? A player who primarily scores on the low block? OK. Time to recalibrate.
In today’s NBA, teams value versatility at that position. The prototypical modern big man can space the floor and defend multiple positions. Apparently, the New Orleans Pelicans are aware.
Recently, it’s been reported that they’d like to replace Jonas Valanciunas in their starting lineup. That makes sense. Valanciunas spaces the floor, but his slow feet limit his defensive versatility. Could Isaiah Stewart of the Detroit Pistons be a better option?
The Trade Proposal
Detroit Pistons receive: C Jonas Valanciunas, 2024 First-Round Pick (LAL via NOP)
New Orleans Pelicans receive: F/C Isaiah Stewart
With that said the Pistons seem to have some idea of what they’re looking for in a modern big. They’ve got plenty of them. Heading into last year’s trade deadline, Jalen Duren was having a strong rookie season. He looks like a prototypical, switchable, modern defensive big.
So, it came as quite a surprise when the Pistons traded for James Wiseman. The Pistons have tried to play the two together, but it doesn’t feel sustainable. Meanwhile, Marvin Bagley III needs some time at the 5 as well.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Isaiah Stewart, New Orleans Pelicans & Detroit Pistons Updates
In the midst of that chaos, there’s Isaiah Stewart. Granted, like Bagley, he’s a combo big. Still, the Pistons roster 4 young players who need time – and may be best at – the 5. This is a logjam. How does acquiring Valanciunas help matters?
Why The Detroit Pistons Do The Deal
It doesn’t. The Pistons don’t do this deal to acquire Valanciunas. Although, they should be attracted to his expiring contract. With a young core of exciting players, the Pistons have financial flexibility now. Still, they extended Stewart this summer – and by the time his contract expires, they’ll be hoping to have several max rookie extensions on their books.
Of course, having extended Stewart, the Pistons can’t move him yet. If he’s playing a prominent role in some relative success by the deadline, they may not want to move him at all. On the other hand, if he’s getting squeezed out by the other talented young big men around him, he could be a candidate for a midseason trade.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Isaiah Stewart, New Orleans Pelicans & Detroit Pistons Updates
This would be a good one. Above all else, the Pistons are coveting an unprotected first-round pick here. That’s good value for Stewart no matter how the Lakers’ season is going. Should the Pelicans give up a valuable asset for Stewart?
Why The New Orleans Pelicans Do The Deal
Well, the Pelicans have a rumored interest in Stewart. It’s been widely reported that they want to replace Valanciunas. How else would they go about acquiring Stewart?
Sure, they could send out Larry Nance Jr. and Kira Lewis Jr. along with this pick. That would seem counterproductive. Nance Jr. is a similarly versatile defender. He can man the 5 in small-ball lineups. Why would the Pelicans part with him if he’s the type of player they’re looking to add?
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Isaiah Stewart, New Orleans Pelicans & Detroit Pistons Updates
So, this is the package. It makes perfect sense for the Pelicans. Stewart’s ability to defend in space makes him the exact type of player they’re looking for. Stewart is also a solid floor spacer. In other words, he’s a prototypical modern big man – and the Pistons want one of those.
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