Nobody likes being at the bottom of the NBA’s standings. Still, it can be a necessary evil. Teams are known to tank to improve their lottery odds. At the same time, spending too much time on the bottom becomes a problem.
For a long time, that’s where the Sacramento Kings found themselves. This team was a perennial bottom-feeder. Luckily, the Kings turned it around. They look like they’ll be in the playoffs for the foreseeable future.
The Detroit Pistons seem to have taken their spot. This team doesn’t appear capable of taking a step forward. Perhaps that’s why they’re allegedly interested in making moves at the deadline. Could they send Isaiah Stewart to the Kings?
NBA Trade Proposal: Sacramento Kings Land Detroit Pistons’ Isaiah Stewart
Detroit Pistons Receive: G/F Chris Duarte, 2026 First-Round Pick (Lottery Protected – SAC)
Sacramento Kings Receive: F/C Isaiah Stewart
In fact, the Kings weren’t simply basement dwellers. This team set an NBA record by missing the playoffs for 16 consecutive seasons. The Kings couldn’t buy a winning season.
What happened? There are competing explanations. The Kings did well in drafting DeMarcus Cousins. He was a star. They failed to draft quality players around Cousins. On the other hand, some would suggest that Cousins’ temperament created a losing environment in Sacramento.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Isaiah Stewart, Detroit Pistons, Sacramento Kings Updates
Either way, times have changed. The Kings’ decision to trade Tyrese Haliburton for Sabonis was controversial, but it’s paid off. The Kings are back in the playoffs.
Could Stewart help them get a step further?
Why The Sacramento Kings Do The Deal
How are the Kings succeeding? On offense. This team can outscore anybody, but they’re poor on the defensive end of the floor. How can they change that?
A combo big who can guard in space would be a sensible addition. The Kings could use a player who can play alongside Sabonis – but also replace him when they need a defensive look. In other words, they need a player exactly like Stewart.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Isaiah Stewart, Detroit Pistons, Sacramento Kings Updates
Moreover, they don’t especially need Duarte. This team has plenty of spacing. They shouldn’t mind parting with a lottery-protected first to land a player they need as badly as Stewart.
Should the Pistons part with Stewart?
Why The Detroit Pistons Do The Deal
Losing Stewart can’t make the Pistons worse. Nothing could make them worse. They’re busy setting their own NBA record. The Pistons are in the midst of the longest losing streak in NBA history.
So, all bets are off. This is a lost season for Detroit. With that in mind, shipping off a quality role player for a lottery protected first is just good business.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Isaiah Stewart, Detroit Pistons, Sacramento Kings Updates
Moreover, Duarte is a solid fit on this roster. The Pistons could use some floor spacing, and Duarte provides it. He’s also young enough to be part of the team’s future. Hopefully, he’ll help them elevate above the bottom of the NBA standings soon
