1. Isaiah Stewart, Detroit Pistons
Stewart started every game in which he played for the Pistons last year. Why would they even think about moving away from him? Well, considering that the Pistons own the No. 5 pick in the 2022 NBA Draft and have reportedly extended some feelers out to gauge Deandre Ayton’s availability, Stewart’s spot might not be set in stone.
Stewart averaged 8.3 points and 8.7 rebounds last year despite often being the third fiddle behind Cade Cunningham and Saddiq Bey. At 250 pounds with a mean streak in his game that could help a smaller Raptors team become more solidified and consistent in the paint, Stewart would check a ton of boxes.
Isaiah Stewart would help the Toronto Raptors’ rebounding.
Stewart lacks the mobility and defensive versatility that Ujiri and Nurse prioritize when trying to add big men. That doesn’t mean Toronto should overlook someone who plays with a ceaseless motor and a nastiness in the paint. Think of him as a much younger, more tantalizing version of Khem Birch.
Detroit might actually be a motivated seller, as they could feel pressured to surround Cunningham with some true needle-movers in this offseason. Stewart could bring back some nice assets in return while giving the Raptors a picture-perfect center that slides into the rotation.