Detroit Pistons superstar Cade Cunningham opened up about the departure of former teammate Isaiah Stewart in an interview with Omari Sankofa of the Detroit Free Press.
Cunningham revealed that he viewed Stewart as someone he expected to play alongside for his entire career, admitting it will feel strange not having him around next season.
"That's somebody that I planned on playing my whole career with," Cunningham said.
"For him to not be around, it is weird. It feels like I'm a rookie again, like I'm stepping into something new because I don't have him with me."
Stewart traded to Grizzlies as Pistons create cap flexibility
Isaiah Stewart
Credit AP Photo/Noah K. Murray - Scanpix
Isaiah Stewart, who was the longest-tenured Piston on the roster, left Detroit this offseason after being traded to the Memphis Grizzlies. He had been with the franchise since 2020.
Stewart averaged 10.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game for Detroit during the 2025-26 season, serving as one of the team's primary interior defenders off the bench during its 60-win campaign.
His role decreased in the playoffs, however. Stewart averaged just 11.8 minutes per game while putting up 4.0 points and 2.4 rebounds across 14 appearances.
The big man is currently playing under a four-year, $60 million rookie extension. He has two years remaining on the deal, with the 2027-28 season carrying a team option.
Despite receiving only three second-round picks in the trade, the Pistons created significant cap flexibility as they prepare for future signings and contract decisions.
Detroit still faces a major decision regarding Jalen Duren, who could command a lucrative new contract, while Ausar Thompson has already agreed to a significant rookie-scale extension.