The modern NBA is all about positional versatility. As the playoffs get underway, teams who can run a variety of lineups tend to succeed—considering that players who can play multiple positions always hold value.
As it stands, the Dallas Mavericks are a bit lacking in versatility. With Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, they have enough talent to contend. Still, the Mavericks could use one more versatile players – especially in their frontcourt.
The Detroit Pistons have got bigger issues. This team is at the bottom of the NBA’s standings. They need much more than versatile role players.
With that in mind, could they send Isaiah Stewart to the Mavericks?
NBA Trade Proposal: Dallas Mavericks Land Detroit Pistons’ Isaiah Stewart
Detroit Pistons Receive: Greg Brown III, 2027 First-Round Pick (Lottery Protected – DAL)
Dallas Mavericks Receive: F/C Isaiah Stewart
Why are the Pistons so bad? There are plenty of possible explanations, but none are entirely satisfying. In some respects, it feels like this team has been snakebitten.
Are they lacking talent? It’s hard to say. This team is stacked with recent lottery picks. Still, every lottery pick doesn’t pan out. Ausar Thompson looks like he’ll be an elite defender for years to come, but his offensive game needs a lot of polish.
Jaden Ivey is the opposite – his offense is good, but the Pistons don’t seem to trust him on the other end of the floor. Then, there’s Cade Cunningham.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Isaiah Stewart, Detroit Pistons, Dallas Mavericks Updates
He’s had stretches of play where he looked like a star. He’s also got glaring holes in his game. It’s difficult to diagnose Cunningham in this environment.
Would this deal be helpful in that respect?
Why The Detroit Pistons Do The Deal
Not immediately, no. If anything, this deal should make the Pistons worse. Brown III hasn’t looked like an NBA player during his brief time in the league.
If Detroit makes this deal, they’re recognizing that their season is lost. Here’s the harsh reality: their season is probably lost.
The Pistons have a tremendous hole to dig themselves out of if they want to make a run for the play-in tournament. At this point, they might as well waive the white flag and turn their attention to the 2024-25 season.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Isaiah Stewart, Detroit Pistons, Dallas Mavericks Updates
If that’s the case, this lottery-protected first could be useful in making a trade this summer. The Pistons are simply a rebuilding team acquiring an asset in this deal.
Should the Mavericks give up an asset for Stewart?
Why The Dallas Mavericks Do The Deal
The Mavericks’ approach to roster construction has been interesting. They’ve got a franchise player in Doncic. They’ve got a co-star for him in Irving. Unfortunately, they don’t have much else.
Let’s get specific. The Mavericks could use a stretch big man. If that player had any defensive value, that would be a plus as well. In other words,
Stewart would be a perfect addition. He’s a hardworking big man who can space the floor and defend in space. His positional versatility is especially valuable.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Isaiah Stewart, Detroit Pistons, Dallas Mavericks Updates
Stewart can play the 4 alongside Derrick Lively III, or man the 5 in small-ball lineups alongside Grant Williams. The Mavericks should value that versatility – in today’s NBA, it’s essential.
