Isaiah Stewart isn’t just bringing toughness to Detroit’s frontcourt. He’s bringing cost control. And in today’s NBA, that matters just as much as rebounds and rim protection. The Detroit Pistons are building through youth again. New front office. Fresh timelines. Flexible books. Stewart’s deal fits that blueprint about right.
According to SalarySwish, the 24-year-old signed his rookie-scale extension on July 11, 2023, a deal worth up to $64M over four years. The contract officially began in 2024-25 and carries a flat $15M cap hit annually through 2027-28. The first three seasons are fully guaranteed at $45M.
The final year is a team option, giving Detroit control. There are $4M in performance bonuses classified as unlikely, potentially pushing total value from $60M to $64M. The signing was completed using Bird rights under then-GM Troy Weaver.
From a cap perspective, Stewart’s $15M number is projected to shrink as a percentage of the rising salary cap, potentially dipping near 7.5% by 2027-28. That makes him a tradable mid-tier contract under Trajan Langdon’s front office. It also keeps him as a flexible defensive piece alongside Jalen Duren or other young bigs. Detroit is locked in toughness without locking up its future.
Isaiah Stewart Facing Lengthy Suspension After Hornets-Pistons Brawl
Stewart could be staring at a massive suspension after Monday night’s third-quarter brawl against the Hornets. The chaos erupted during Detroit’s 110-104 win – however, the fallout may last much longer than the game.
The fight sparked with just over seven minutes left in the third after Moussa Diabate fouled Jalen Duren near the rim. Words turned into shoves. Shoves turned into swings. Miles Bridges charged in. Duren responded. Within seconds, bodies were everywhere.
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The 6ft 8in center, who was on the bench, sprinted onto the floor and went straight at Bridges – a move that typically triggers automatic discipline under league rules. Stewart, Duren, Diabate, and Bridges were all ejected. Hornets coach Charles Lee was later tossed as well.
Now the suspension talk is heating up. On Run It Back (Feb. 10, 2026), DeMarcus Cousins predicted Isaiah Stewart could miss 20-25 games, citing his history and leaving the bench. Lou Williams reportedly added it could be “a 10 piece lemon pepper, extra crispy.” The NBA is reviewing footage and reports. Detroit may need a backup plan.