Detroit Pistons trade rumors: Johnson may be on his way out of the team

Stanley Johnson (left) of the Detroit Pistons. | Wikimedia Commons / Tony the Tiger

Stanley Johnson was one name everyone was excited to see coming out of the 2015 NBA Draft. He was picked eighth overall by the Detroit Pistons and many dubbed him to be a star for years to come.

However, playing in his second season, it has been extremely difficult for him as he is unable to find a role that fits with the Pistons. Even a guy with a lot of talent may see himself as the odd man out sometimes.

This has resulted in some rumors linking Johnson to a move away from the team if he continues to lose his identity and fails to make a big impact with the team.

At the moment, the Pistons are struggling with a 7-9 record and just like his team, Johnson is still unable to get a hold of what he needs to do on the floor.

He is averaging 7.5 points and 3.9 rebounds in his career, but this season, he is only scoring around half of that per game.

The Pistons may end up trading Johnson if he does not fit the mold of the team, but head coach Stan Van Gundy remains positive that the 20-year-old will do his best.

Speaking to the media, Van Gundy said: "We haven't in anyway given up on Stanley... We're talking about a 20-year-old guy and everybody develops at different rates. We can give you numerous examples of guys who got out of the gate quicker than others that didn't end up the better player long term. I think the real thing with Stan for us and for Stanley is us really finding an identity for him and working toward that."

Still a young guy, Johnson can still fulfil his potential in the league. However, since it is a fast-paced environment, he needs to do so quickly before the Pistons ultimately deal him to another team.