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.

#2 Andre Drummond

Andre Drummond has transformed into an All-Star caliber player in his time with the Pistons. But his have still failed to compete, despite having him and Blake Griffin on the roster.

The 25-year-old Drummond has averaged 16.7 points and 14.9 rebounds per game this season, but the Pistons are simply not improving, and the team will find it incredibly difficult to offload Griffin's deal.

Due to this, Brandon Robinson of ScoopB has reported that the Pistons are considering trading Drummond, and that the Charlotte Hornets are among the interested teams:

"Detroit Pistons have explored trade scenarios for Andre Drummond recently, I’m told. One team interested in Drummond are the Charlotte Hornets."

Drummond re-signed with the Pistons on a five-year, $130 million contract back in 2016, and it remains to be seen if the Hornets have the trade pieces to tempt the Pistons in trading away their two-time All-Star.

#1 Reggie Bullock

Reggie Bullock has been with the Detroit Pistons since 2015, but the 27-year-old's future is in doubt as he will become an unrestricted free agent in the summer. Due to this, the Detroit Free Press is reporting that the former LA Clippers man could be traded:

"Bullock would be a great addition for any team jockeying for playoff position or looking for an additional piece to contend. It could be an easy call for the Pistons since they have cratered since a 13-7 start and are currently below the Eastern Conference cutline for a playoff spot."

Despite the question marks over his future in Detroit, Bullock has been impressive so far this season, averaging 12 points and 2.6 rebounds per game. He would make a great addition to a contending team, and the Pistons may feel forced into a deal as they risk losing Bullock for free in the summer.