The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly engaged in multi-team trade discussions centered on Giannis Antetokounmpo moving to the Miami Heat. The Lakers’ primary goal is not to acquire Antetokounmpo, but to land Detroit Pistons center Isaiah Stewart by acting as a facilitator.
According to NBA insider Anthony F. Irwin, the Lakers are in direct communication with the relevant teams. “The Lakers, I am told, have been in conversation with Milwaukee, with Detroit,” Irwin reported. He specified the nature of the talks with the Pistons, adding, “With Detroit, the Lakers apparently have been talking to them about Isaiah Stewart and about his availability and what his price would be.”
Stewart, who averaged 10.0 points and 5.0 rebounds last season, is on a manageable four-year, $60 million contract. His $15 million salary makes him a valuable trade asset. For the Pistons, who finished as the top seed in the East, moving Stewart could be a financial necessity. Detroit faces a difficult decision with an extension for center Jalen Duren on the horizon, which would push the team toward the restrictive second apron of the luxury tax.
Irwin explained the Pistons’ financial situation, noting that if they take on salary in the deal, they “would become a very expensive team and would not have the funds to pay Jalen Duren and continue to employ Isaiah Stewart. So that is somebody the Lakers have been in talks with Detroit about.”
Reports suggest the deal could expand to four or more teams to balance salaries and draft assets. An alternative structure could see the Lakers acquire Myles Turner from Milwaukee. Turner, an elite rim protector who shot 38.3% from three-point range last season, could also be rerouted to Los Angeles as the Bucks prioritize younger assets in a return for Antetokounmpo.
