Trade & FA 2023-24: Stein-Ingram Trade Inevitable| LAL Want Lebron Back On Any Terms

[SleepingHero]

I would generally* say no to Stewart, because I don't think you can pay "backup center" $15M a year. When it comes to centers, $15M should get you a starter these days, unless it's a superstar. And we now live in a hard cap world where the total spending is limited, so that overspending on one guy (Stewart) means you will be unable to fill needs at a different position.


* The exception comes if you can send out an overpriced player in exchange, thereby reducing the negative salary impact of the overpaid backup. Say, for example, it's a one-for-one of Holmes for Stewart (which ESPN Trade Machine says is legal), where the Mavs are perhaps getting the better backup center, but also getting the worse backup center contract. However, if Holmes could be traded, I'd be more inclined to aim for Olynyk (smarter, much-needed stretch big, expiring contract) instead of Stewart.

That 15M a year contract for being a "backup center" definitely was made in mind that he is only 22 and has improved since he's come into the league.

DET and most likely whatever team trades for him is banking on Stewart growing into that 15M a year. If he develops that 3, which he's shown he's close to doing anyway, that contract suddenly doesn't seem too bad. Couple that with his established switchability and all around hustle, I'm surprised he doesn't have more fans here. 

Naz Reid is probably the best comp for Stewart. Reid is 6'9 240lbs vs. Stewart at 6'8 250lbs. Both got extensions at 22 that will pay Reid 3/42 and Stewart just signed effectively for 3/45.