NBA 2018-19: 3 players that could leave the Detroit Pistons before the trade deadline

The NBA trade deadline will close next week ahead of the annual NBA All-Star Event in North Carolina. That leaves teams around the NBA with just a few days to finalize their rosters for the remainder of the 2018-19 season.

The frantic build-up to the final few days is already in full swing, as Anthony Davis has requested a trade away from the New Orleans Pelicans. Meanwhile, the New York Knicks have agreed to a stunning trade with the Dallas Mavericks that includes players such as Kristaps Porzingis, DeAndre Jordan, Tim Hardaway Jr. and Dennis Smith Jr.

Even more drama is expected in the next few days, and the Detroit Pistons are one of the teams that will be active. The Pistons still have a shot at claiming one of the final Eastern Conference playoff spots. But they have once again performed below expectations, and so may be looking to offload a number of high profile names.

As we enter the final few days of the trade window, here is a look at three players that could be set for an exit from the Pistons.

#3 Stanley Johnson

Stanley Johnson was selected eighth overall by the Pistons in the 2015 NBA draft, and so far this season the 22-year-old is averaging 7.5 points and 3.7 rebounds per game. Nevertheless, The Detroit News is reporting that the Pistons will consider trading away their young wing player ahead of the deadline:

"The fourth-year wing is set to become a restricted agent in the summer, and there’s some question about what Johnson’s future with the Pistons will be."

Johnson has a $5.3 million qualifying option in his contract for the 2019-20 season, but the Pistons could consider trading away a player who has only started seven times for the team so far this season.