Knicks Trade Rumors: Big Names Surfacing As Options

Stanley Johnson, Detroit Pistons

Position: Small Forward
Age: 20 (5/29/1996)
2016-17 Slash Line: .374/.278/.654
2016-17 Season Averages: 14.3 MPG, 3.7 PPG, 2.1 RPG, 0.9 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.4 3PM

It was just eight months ago when Stanley Johnson became a fan favorite by challenging LeBron James and holding his own defensively in the 2016 NBA Playoffs. In the months that have followed, however, Johnson has fallen out of favor and surfaced along the rumor mill.

According to Vince Goodwill of CSN Chicago, who previously worked the Pistons beat, Detroit isn’t taking trade calls for Johnson—yet.

"Sources have told CSNChicago.com the Pistons have resisted overtures for Johnson but with the recent developments, expect executives for rival teams to be more aggressive."

Johnson was a Top 10 pick in 2015, but has fallen out of favor in Detroit, whether temporarily or permanently.

This isn’t a move that the Knicks will make—nor one they have the personnel to make—but it’s a situation worth monitoring. Johnson has elite defensive potential and a physical profile that compares to a young Carmelo Anthony.

At 6’7″ and 245 pounds with a near 7’0″ wingspan and deceptive explosiveness, Johnson has the pure upside of an impact player on both ends of the floor.

Chances are, Stan Van Gundy will keep his 20-year-old upside wing in Detroit. Johnson has the potential to be a lockdown defender with his strength, physicality, and length at the 3, and could develop into a productive scorer, as well.

Nevertheless, it’s intriguin that a former Pistons beat writer with connections and credibility would report on this possibility so early in the season.