The Philadelphia 76ers, like the rest of the league, are officially on the offseason trail. While the 2026 NBA Draft will first take center stage, that does not prevent the rumor mill from churning faster. In fact, one trade rumor has a lot of teams suddenly angling to present themselves as actual landing spots –– and the 76ers should certainly partake in that impending bidding war.
According to The Athletic's Sam Amick, the Pistons have now placed Isaiah Stewart on the trading block, noting that former 76ers big man Paul Reed's ascent in the playoffs makes the latter set to take on a more prominent role next season. Stewart will definitely command a lot of interest from teams, and Philly can definitely benefit from having someone like him.
Stewart, a defensive-minded and feisty big man, was one of the best sixth men in the league this season, finishing seventh in the voting for the 6MOY award. However, his role got drastically shafted when the playoffs came as Reed ended up being the favored option to play the role of enforcer off the bench. That is largely why Detroit has now positioned itself as a willing seller for Stewart's services.
Paul Reed has given the 76ers a perfect trade target in Isaiah Stewart
Stewart was statistically one of the best rim protectors in the NBA this season. Despite being undersized, he more than makes up for it with his motor on the defensive end and tenacity on the boards. While he is quite limited on the offensive end, he can at least hit open threes as a career 34.4 percent three-point shooter.
The 76ers are in dire need of reinforcements at the center position, and Stewart is absolutely someone who can fill that need and then some. Unlike the other big men currently on the roster, he can also slide down to the 4 and hypothetically play next to Joel Embiid for a more physical configuration.
Stewart's contract will be difficult to match given the 76ers' top-heavy payroll, but consolidating players who make lower salaries will work since the team can take in a more costly contract while sending out cheaper ones. The trade framework to lure him into Philly exists, although the front office might have to sweeten the pot with some draft capital, even if only second-rounders, to beat prospective buyers.
The Philadelphia 76ers have to pounce on every opportunity that opens for them this offseason, and this Isaiah Stewart trade front is one of them. And for that, they have their former cog in Paul Reed to thank for.
Add us as a preferred source on Google