Detroit Pistons star Cade Cunningham is feeling unsettled after the franchise traded his teammate Isaiah Stewart to the Memphis Grizzlies. Cunningham's candid comments come as the team handles the fallout from a difficult playoff series against the Cleveland Cavaliers, which ended with a 94-125 loss on May 18, 2026.
Cunningham did not hold back his feelings about losing Stewart. Speaking to reporters, the All-NBA guard said Stewart was someone he envisioned playing alongside for his entire career. "For him to not be around, it is weird," Cunningham stated. "It feels like I'm a rookie again, like I'm stepping into something new because I don't have him with me."
The trade sent Stewart to Memphis primarily to create financial flexibility for a potential Jalen Duren extension. Stewart had become a complete two-way player for Detroit, stretching the floor with an improved three-point shot while providing switchable defense and rim protection off the bench. His departure leaves a clear hole in the Pistons' rotation.
This situation presents a significant internal test for a franchise on the rise. Cunningham is the undisputed centerpiece, coming off a fifth-place finish in MVP voting and his first All-NBA First Team selection last season. He led the Pistons to 60 regular-season wins, their highest total in two decades. Alienating your franchise player with roster decisions is a dangerous game.
Complicating matters, extension talks with center Jalen Duren are reportedly becoming messy. The Stewart trade was executed partly to facilitate Duren's new deal, but that process is now adding to the front-office tension. Managing a winning roster and the egos within it is a new challenge for this Pistons regime.
The trade news lands as the Pistons process a tough end to their promising season. Their playoff run concluded in the Eastern Conference Semifinals with that heavy 125-94 defeat in Cleveland. Looking at their recent form over the last five games, the Pistons recorded 1 win and 4 losses (LWLLL).
The series against the Cavaliers was a tight battle despite the final game's lopsided score. Key results included a 115-94 Pistons road win on May 15 and a narrow 117-113 home loss on May 14. The team's overall performance, however, ended on a sour note with three consecutive defeats. You can review the full playoff journey and look ahead on our schedule page.
The front office must now prove it can build constructively around Cunningham. Letting go of a valued teammate for financial reasons is a cold reality of the NBA, but the human element matters. Cunningham's "weird" feeling highlights a trust factor the organization needs to address quickly.
Success on the court has changed the dynamics in Detroit. For years, the focus was solely on acquiring talent. Now, the task is retaining it and maintaining a cohesive locker room while managing the salary cap. How they handle Duren's contract and fill the void left by Stewart will define their offseason. The art of building a true contender is underway, and this first step has been rocky.
