Isaiah Stewart opens up after trade: “In Memphis, I feel wanted”
A fresh start, plenty of motivation and a desire to bounce back: these are the main ingredients Isaiah Stewart is bringing as he prepares to return to the court with the Memphis Grizzlies
The trade that sent Isaiah Stewart to Tennessee has generated plenty of interest, even though the Memphis Grizzlies do not have major short-term ambitions: the focus is on a still-young player looking for a major rebound after a two-sided experience.
For four seasons, Stewart appeared to be a solid piece in the new era of the Detroit Pistons. The trust placed in Jalen Duren, starting in his third NBA season, however, reduced Stewart’s role and opportunities, with the No. 28 averaging fewer than 25 minutes per game throughout the Regular Season.
And in an interview with sports blog Andscape, the Grizzlies’ new big man did not hesitate to air some grievances:
I was in a situation where I was working really hard, I had a goal, I was putting everything I had into something and, despite that, I wasn’t able to get a certain opportunity or receive that kind of reward
Isaiah Stewart
In terms of his approach and attitude, Stewart has always tried to stay focused (despite a few setbacks, such as the ugly incident against the Charlotte Hornets), but his similar skill set to Duren did not encourage a strategic role, relegating him primarily to an alternative option to give his teammate a breather.
But now there is Memphis, a new chapter. Stewart is ready to make the team that showed him the door regret it, taking advantage of the limited pressure surrounding the team and the advice of a veteran of the position like Taj Gibson, the second-oldest player in the league.
I’m grateful because I’m in a place where I’m truly wanted. And the fans already respect and appreciate who I am. I’d rather be somewhere I’m wanted than find myself in a situation where I might feel out of place
Isaiah Stewart
His relationship with his former Pistons teammates has remained one of mutual respect:
After the trade, Cade and Jalen called me and wished me the best
Isaiah Stewart
In the 2026 NBA, reliable big men who can stretch the floor are no longer simply a luxury, but a fundamental advantage. Can a small-ball center like Stewart, who lacks that particular skill, make up for it with other abilities, or was he simply born in the wrong era? This new chapter will provide a definitive answer to that question.