Detroit Pistons Trade Rumors: Team Shopping Around Stanley Johnson?

By Carlo Monzon
Stanley Johnson
Stanley Johnson with Anthony Davis. Flickr/GabboT

Since the Detroit Pistons doesn't seem to know what to do with Stanley Johnson, there's a chance that the team might give in to offers and trade him away. Even Stan Van Gundy, coach and president of the Piston, admitted that he has no identity how to utilize Johnson.

Johnson joined the Detroit franchise during the 2015 NBA draft. Although he was poised to emerge as one of the team's star players, he failed to meet these expectations due to his inconsistent performance. At one point, he even fell out of the team rotations, according to Bleacher Report.

Then, last month, Johnson was suspended for violating team rules. This caused him to miss the Pistons' game against the Los Angeles Clippers.

But aside from these, another glaring flaw on Johnson's record was his demotion to the D-league last week. On Dec. 10, he was transferred to the Grand Rapids Drive but was then recalled the following day.

With the trade deadline fast approaching, and Johnson's questionable status in Detroit, Pistons could end up facing offers and questions regarding the young athlete's trade availability. Although the Pistons have not yet issued a clear statement regarding the trade speculations surrounding Johnson, the team might eventually decide to send him away.

As noted by Van Gundy, Johnson is a very talented player capable of guarding three positions. Although he is technically a forward, he also has the skills to take on multiple positions.

However, this also puts the Pistons in a tough situation because they just can't pinpoint Johnson's real status.

"The only thing we know for sure is that he can guard three positions and sometimes four and that he's a good rebounder," Van Gundy said according to the Detroit Free Press. "Offensively, I don't think we have an identity for him."

"Is he a big two-guard in the mold of Wes Matthews, Jimmy Butler who is going to go down and be a post-up guy against smaller twos, but then also develop into a good shooter?" he added. "I think he has the capabilities probably of either, but I think we need to find an identity with him."

This lack of assurance from the Detroit organization could eventually be the driving force that would propel Johnson out of the Pistons. With his talent, and maybe proper guidance, Johnson could reach his potential and emerge as a top player in a different team.

But then again, trading him would still depend on the Pistons' decision.

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