“I Would Pay Every Penny”: Cade Cunningham Vows to Cover Isaiah Stewart’s Fines in Stunning Show of Loyalty
The Detroit Pistons may be facing a massive financial hit from this week’s brawl with the Charlotte Hornets, but their franchise cornerstone just made one thing crystal clear: he’s got his teammate’s back, no matter the cost.
Cade Cunningham was asked Friday whether he’d be willing to cover the estimated $724,000 in fines facing Isaiah Stewart following Monday’s bench-clearing melee. His response was immediate, emphatic.
“I would. That’s my brother man. He’s the man. I wouldn’t trade him for the world.”
The quote, captured by @ohnohedidnt24 and shared across social media, instantly went viral not just for the staggering dollar figure, but for the raw loyalty behind it.
The Incident That Started It All
Monday night’s game between Detroit and Charlotte spiraled into chaos with 7:18 left in the third quarter. Hornets center Moussa Diabaté fouled Jalen Duren hard.
Diabaté threw a punch. Miles Bridges rushed in and threw another. And then, from the Pistons bench, Isaiah Stewart ice packs still strapped to his knees sprinted onto the court and engaged Bridges in a full-swinging fight.
Four players were ejected: Duren, Diabaté, Bridges, and Stewart.
The Price Tag: $724K and Counting
The NBA has not yet announced official discipline, but estimates suggest Stewart faces the heaviest penalty:
| Player | Expected Suspension | Estimated Salary Loss |
|---|---|---|
| Isaiah Stewart | 10-15 games | $500,000 – $750,000 |
| Miles Bridges | 5-10 games | $250,000 – $500,000 |
| Jalen Duren | 3-5 games | $150,000 – $250,000 |
| Moussa Diabaté | 2-4 games | $100,000 – $200,000 |
Stewart’s history as a “repeat offender” including suspensions for altercations with LeBron James (2021) and Drew Eubanks (2024) guarantees he’ll receive the harshest punishment.
Why Cunningham’s Words Matter
Cunningham and Stewart have grown up together in the NBA. Both were drafted by Detroit in 2021 Cunningham first overall, Stewart 16th. They’ve endured losing seasons, coaching changes, and endless criticism together.
Stewart, for his part, has always been the enforcer the player every team needs but few appreciate. He protects his stars. He sets the physical tone. He does the dirty work that doesn’t show up in box scores.
And when he went too far Monday, charging off the bench with ice on his knees to defend Duren, he did exactly what his teammates knew he would do. He protected his own.
The Reaction
Social media erupted after Cunningham’s quote surfaced.“Cade is the ultimate leader,” one fan wrote. “This is why Detroit is rising.”
Even critics of the brawl acknowledged the sentiment. “Wrong way to handle it, but right teammate to have,” one user noted.
What Happens Next
The NBA’s disciplinary ruling is expected within days. Stewart will almost certainly miss significant time potentially the remainder of the regular season. The Pistons, currently fighting for playoff position in the East.
But Cunningham’s message is clear: whatever the cost, whatever the penalty, Stewart remains family.“I wouldn’t trade him for the world.”
That’s not just leadership. That’s love. And in a league where players change teams as often as jerseys.