News Report: Knicks Linked to Potential Trade for Pistons’ $60 Million Enforcer to Bolster Defense

News Report: Knicks Linked to Potential Trade for Pistons’ $60 Million Enforcer to Bolster Defense

As the New York Knicks look to strengthen their interior defense and rebounding, a potential trade with the Detroit Pistons could be the solution. According to a recent report from FanSided’s Nicholas Chiarito, the Knicks are exploring the idea of acquiring Isaiah Stewart, the Pistons’ $60 million enforcer, to address their current struggles in the paint.

The Knicks’ frontcourt depth has been a concern so far this season. Outside of star center Karl-Anthony Towns, the team’s big men are limited in number and size. Jericho Sims, standing at 6-foot-10, is one of the taller active players, alongside Ariel Hukporti, the 7-foot rookie selected 58th overall in this year’s draft. However, with Mitchell Robinson and Precious Achiuwa both dealing with injuries, New York has struggled in areas like rim protection and rebounding—issues that were key to their success last season.

This is where Stewart could make a significant impact. Despite being considered undersized for a traditional center, Stewart’s strength and tenacity in the paint could help solve the Knicks’ size problems off the bench. The 6-foot-8 big man is currently averaging 1.3 blocks per game and 6.9 rebounds in just 22.1 minutes of play. These numbers would lead New York’s second unit and would immediately bolster their defense.

A trade for Stewart wouldn’t be easy, though. Chiarito suggests that the Knicks would likely need to center any potential deal around Mitchell Robinson, as both players are earning similar salaries of approximately $15 million this season. However, with Robinson currently sidelined due to injury, acquiring Stewart would be a significant upgrade, especially in light of the Knicks’ defensive woes.

In addition to his defensive abilities, Stewart has shown promise as a scorer and shooter in recent seasons. Last year, he shot 38.3 percent from beyond the arc and has been even more efficient from the free-throw line this season, hitting 84.6 percent of his attempts. These shooting stats are a rare skill set among the Knicks’ current centers, aside from Towns, making Stewart an intriguing option for New York’s roster.

To seal the deal, the Knicks may need to include additional assets to entice the Pistons, who have been competitive this season. Stewart, who is in the first year of a four-year, $60 million rookie extension, could be a key piece in a trade that helps the Knicks improve both defensively and offensively.

If the Knicks can pull off this trade, they would not only address their size and depth issues but also add a versatile and reliable player in Stewart, who could be a difference-maker for the team as they aim to contend this season.