Pistons add potential Isaiah Stewart replacement with Knicks draft trade

The New York Knicks channeled trade mode during the two-day 2026 NBA Draft. New York sent two selections to the Houston Rockets. The champs then sent their 53rd pick to the Detroit Pistons, who landed a potential Isaiah Stewart replacement.

Ugonna Onyenso ensured a short tenure with the NBA Finals winner. ClutchPoints NBA insider Brett Siegel revealed the trade details.

“The Knicks are trading Ugonna Onyenso to the Pistons, who get an immediate replacement for Isaiah Stewart in their frontcourt,” Siegel posted on the social media website X, formerly Twitter.

The 21-year-old suited up for three blue blood programs: Kentucky, Kansas State and Virginia, in that order. The seven-footer hands Pistons head coach JB Bickerstaff needed size down low, and amid Stewart’s departure.

Detroit sent the forward to the Memphis Grizzlies during the second round of the draft. Memphis sent three second round selections in exchange. So the Pistons used one of those picks to immediately fill Stewart’s vacated spot.

Stewart’s addition in Grind City also makes up for a notable botched opportunity: Detroit attempting to land Austin Reaves via the Los Angeles Lakers. Now the Pistons make up for it.

Onyenso heads to the league fresh off delivering a career-best 6.5 points per game for the Cavaliers. He protected the rim at a high rate too, averaging 2.9 blocks a night for another personal-best. This means Bickerstaff gains needed help in the paint after the way the Cleveland Cavaliers attacked the hoop in their second round matchup.

This wasn’t the only trade involving Detroit and Memphis. The 21st pick Karim Lopez landed with the Grizzlies following his trade from Detroit.

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