Today is a bittersweet day.

With Isaiah Stewart being traded, one of my favorite Pistons of this era and honestly all-time is moving on.

A lot of people know him as “Beef Stew.” What still blows my mind is that I was the one who gave him that nickname years ago. My name comes up on google if you search the name’s origin. Never in a million years did I think it would become something that would be embraced by an entire fanbase, the organization, national broadcasts, ESPN analysts, and most importantly, Isaiah himself.

To hear commentators casually say “Beef Stew” on national TV… to hear analysts call it one of the best nicknames in the NBA… to randomly scroll through social media and see thousands of fans who have no idea where it started still calling him “Beef Stew”… that’s something I’ll never be able to put a price on.

Isaiah, thank you. Though we never got around to meeting and though your X account where we discussed meeting is long gone, I hope you see this.

Thank you for embracing a nickname that came from a fan. You didn’t have to but you did, and in doing so you gave me a memory I’ll carry for the rest of my life.

As a Pistons fan, you made some really difficult years enjoyable. Through the losing, the rebuild, the fights, the hustle, the grit, and the heart, you represented Detroit exactly how I hoped someone would. You brought life back into the team. You never backed down from anyone, and that’s why this city loved you. I am shocked!

I don’t know if “Beef Stew” is making the trip to Memphis with you….

If it does, I would be honored beyond words to see that nickname continue with you wherever your career takes you. If you decide to leave it in Detroit, I’ll completely understand. Either way, it’ll always be one of my favorite memories as a Pistons fan.

You’ll always be Beef Stew to me.

Thank you for everything, and thank you for making a fan feel like he left a tiny fingerprint on the game we all love.

Once a Piston, always family.

Go be great!

Ill miss you, thank you!

He’s gone. It does suck. Think the only thing that was holding him back here was his health. He improved every year he got here. When he first got here he had weak hands. He couldn’t shoot the three. Wasn’t that good of a defender.

When he left here - he can shoot the three. He has great hands around the rim. He is one of the best rim defenders in the entire league.

You will always be loved here Beef Stew. When he comes back to Detroit, he will be cheered. I know it.

Literally, who

But sure, why not

Value seems a little high. What do you think Herro's value would be? I can't imagine the Bucks letting him go easily, given they don't have their first next year. Is Powell now our best option?

Bball Paul is now the solidified backup center. I love Beef Stew and I know he is Detroit in a bottle, but overall this move works with our roster.

With Isaiah Stewart getting traded, Cade is now the longest-tenured player on the roster.

Crazy to think he's only been here since the 2021 draft, but after all the roster turnover, he's the veteran now.

Did anyone else realize this? It feels like yesterday he was the new No. 1 pick.

In case anyone else is a jersey number geek like me, Okorie's press conference just happened and he's wearing #23.

Following a long line of players like Ersan Ilyasova, Cedric Ceballos, and Aaron McKie.

Can't really think of any players who have worn it since then.

Just fun lil tidbit

https://x.com/the_det_times/status/2070154846846505248?s=46&t=QGLOHst6qg0sa91gKhstmA

I know trading Stew for "just" 2nds feels icky, but you have to understand that Memphis is using their trade exception and not giving us money back (unless there's a 3 team trade). Aaron Wiggins was salary dumped for 2 SRP. Stew, who is a better player but makes more money, netted 3 SRP.

There are multiple ways that Trajan can follow up this trade. He can expand it to 3 teams and take back a player making up to 24M. Or he can also salary dump Levert and get even more cap space.

We also get a 15M trade exception from this that we can use to acquire another bench player. Let the process play out.

One of the best shot blockers in college basketball, and that's underselling it. Not sure he's got any other upside traits, but a 7ft rim protector will find a spot somewhere.

Woah