The Detroit Pistons have rejected trade offers for former lottery pick Stanley Johnson despite the sudden drop of playing time for the second-year winger this season. Vincent Goodwill of CSN Chicago reported Pistons head coach and general manager Stan Van Gundy isn't looking to trade the youngster.
Still, Goodwill thinks the Pistons' firm stance on not trading Johnson could change as the trade season approaches. The likelihood of Johnson switching uniform before the season ends will depend on the offers of interested teams, whether they are willing to place a high value on him or not.
"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. No one can deny what Johnson can physically bring to the table and if teams view him as an undervalued commodity by the Pistons, things can get interesting with the trade season kicking off December 15."
Blocker on the block:
The New Orleans Pelicans have made shot-blocker Omer Asik very available on the trading block. A Sherrod Blakely of CSNNE reported Asik has remained on the trading block, and the Celtics have legit interest in the big man.
"Asik, the rim-protecting big man who has not been nearly as impactful in the Big Easy as he was in Chicago, is very much available a league source has told CSNNE.com.
While the Celtics were rumored to have had interest in him when he was in Chicago as well as during his time with the Pelicans, another league source indicated they anticipate the Celtics will take a wait-and-see approach with any potential trade that doesn't significantly enhance their chances at making a deep playoff run and being a contender in the East along with defending champion Cleveland and Toronto."
Asik is averaging 3.3 points and 6.0 rebounds for the Pelicans this season.
