Recent rumors have emerged that sophomore small forward Stanley Johnson is in the Detroit Pistons' trading block after his recent D-League stint.

Johnson made a name for himself last season when he was assigned to guard LeBron James during their first-round playoffs series with the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Pistons were swept by the Cavs, 4-0, but many are rumored to be impressed by Johnson's performance as a rookie especially against James on the defensive end.

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Expectations were high as he entered his sophomore year more than a month ago, but Johnson has not delivered up to the promise so far as he struggled for playing time this season. Right now, Johnson is averaging only 3.5 points and 2.2 rebounds in 13.4 minutes per game in 22 games, which are lower than the 8.1 points, 4.2 boards, and 23.1 minutes he averaged last year as a rookie.

Because of lack of on-court exposure, Pistons president and head coach Stan Van Gundy decided to assign him to the Grand Rapids Drive, Detroit's D-League affiliate, for one game on Dec. 10 before getting recalled the next day.

"I enjoyed playing," said Johnson following his 26-point scoring stint for the Drive, via Mass Live. "I enjoyed playing without having to look over my shoulder and check for somebody trying to take me out of the game. I knew I was going to play a certain amount of minutes. We played the game I know to play."

The said assignment sparked a lot of rumors saying that Johnson could be on his way out of Detroit before the trade deadline, according to Bleacher Report.

However, the Pistons are reportedly not ready to "cut ties just yet" with Johnson as the club sees a lot of potential in the 20-year-old wingman.

Detroit trading Johnson at this point of his career is "unlikely but possible", according to the report. However, it would be interesting to find out where the former Arizona standout could end up if the Pistons decide to deal him.

TagsNBA Trade Rumors, NBA Trade Rumors 2016, Stanley Johnson, detroit pistons, Detroit Pistons rumors