Stewart's NBA Journey: From Detroit Pistons to Memphis Grizzlies
The professional trajectory of Stewart in the NBA has been marked by significant movement, high-value contracts, and a recurring struggle with on-court discipline. From his entry into the league via the 2020 draft to his eventual move to the Memphis Grizzlies, Stewart's career provides a detailed look at the volatility of a professional athlete's tenure.
The Early Years and Arrival in Detroit
Stewart entered the league in 2020, selected 16th overall by the Portland Trail Blazers. However, his time in Portland was short-lived. On November 22, 2020, he was traded to the Houston Rockets along with Trevor Ariza and a conditional future first-round pick in exchange for Robert Covington. Just two days later, on November 24, Stewart was traded again, this time to the Detroit Pistons. This deal involved Ariza, a future second-round pick, and cash considerations moving to Detroit, while the Rockets received Christian Wood, a protected future first-round pick, and a 2021 second-round pick.
By December 1, 2020, the Pistons officially signed Stewart to his rookie scale contract—the standard contract for first-round draft picks. His early tenure in Detroit was quickly marred by disciplinary issues, including an ejection on March 26, 2021, against the Brooklyn Nets due to a flagrant-2 foul.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Disciplinary Challenges and Contract Extensions
Stewart's career has been frequently interrupted by ejections and suspensions. A notable incident occurred on November 21, 2021, during a game against the Los Angeles Lakers. After LeBron James hit Stewart in the face during a free throw block-out, Stewart repeatedly attempted to attack James, leading to his ejection and a subsequent two-game suspension.
Despite these challenges, the Pistons showed confidence in his long-term potential. On July 10, 2023, Stewart agreed to a four-year contract extension valued at $64 million. However, physical setbacks occurred in March 2023, when a left shoulder impingement sidelined him for approximately three to four weeks.
Escalating On-Court and Off-Court Incidents
The period between 2023 and 2026 saw a surge in disciplinary actions. On December 23, 2023, he was ejected for a flagrant-2 foul against Patrick Beverley. His troubles extended off the court on February 14, 2024, when he was arrested in Phoenix for assault after punching Drew Eubanks in the Footprint Center parking lot. This incident resulted in a citation and a three-game NBA suspension.
Throughout the 2024-2025 season, Stewart accumulated multiple flagrant fouls, including incidents involving Giannis Antetokounmpo, Noah Clowney, and Thomas Bryant. The latter resulted in a one-game suspension for accruing six flagrant foul points and a $50,000 fine for post-ejection gestures. His volatility peaked on March 30, when he was suspended for two games after shoving Donte DiVincenzo and placing Naz Reid in a chokehold.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]The Final Chapter in Detroit and Move to Memphis
Stewart's tenure with the Pistons concluded following a violent altercation on February 9, 2026, against the Charlotte Hornets. During a brawl involving multiple players, Stewart was ejected for charging at and punching Miles Bridges. He received the harshest penalty of the group, a seven-game suspension.
On July 8, 2026, Stewart's time in Detroit officially ended when he was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies as part of a complex six-team, 11-player trade.
Key Facts
- Draft Position: 16th overall in the 2020 NBA Draft.
- Contract: Signed a 4-year, $64 million extension with Detroit in 2023.
- Major Trade: Moved to the Memphis Grizzlies on July 8, 2026, in a six-team trade.
- Disciplinary Record: Multiple suspensions, including a career-high 7-game suspension in 2026.
- Injury History: Suffered a left shoulder impingement in March 2023.
| Year | Event | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | NBA Draft & Trades | Drafted by Portland; traded to Houston, then to Detroit. |
| 2021 | Lakers Incident | Ejected and suspended for 2 games after altercation with LeBron James. |
| 2023 | Contract Extension | Signed a 4-year, $64 million deal. |
| 2024 | Phoenix Arrest | Arrested for assault on Drew Eubanks; 3-game suspension. |
| 2026 | Hornets Brawl | Received a 7-game suspension for punching Miles Bridges. |
| 2026 | Trade to Memphis | Joined the Grizzlies via a six-team, 11-player trade. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which team drafted Stewart?
Stewart was drafted 16th overall by the Portland Trail Blazers in the 2020 NBA draft.
How much was Stewart's contract extension with the Detroit Pistons?
Stewart agreed to a 4-year extension worth $64 million on July 10, 2023.
What was the longest suspension Stewart received?
His longest suspension was 7 games, issued following a brawl with the Charlotte Hornets on February 9, 2026.
Why was Stewart suspended in February 2024?
He was suspended for 3 games after being arrested for assault for punching Drew Eubanks in the parking lot of the Footprint Center in Phoenix.
How did Stewart end up with the Memphis Grizzlies?
He was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies on July 8, 2026, as part of a large-scale six-team, 11-player trade.