AUBURN HILLS -- Like many of his teammates, Detroit Pistons forward Amir Johnson plans to use his four-day break to rest, relax and re-focus his efforts on helping the Pistons finish the season strong.
But Johnson's role in Detroit's future success is becoming unclear. The Pistons are among a handful of teams interested in acquiring All-Star Amare Stoudemire from Phoenix, which is asking for at least one expiring contract. Detroit can deliver Rasheed Wallace and his $13.68 million contract that comes off the books this summer.
The Suns reportedly want a young frontcourt player as well.
Of Detroit's young big men, Johnson appears the most likely to be included in such a deal.
Being the subject of trade rumors is new ground for the fourth-year forward..
"I'm just trying to go out here and help us win some games," Johnson said. "That's all I'm thinking about."
The Pistons have brought Johnson along slowly so he could one day become a consistent performer.
He has cracked the starting lineup, but his play has been far from consistent.
In Detroit's 107-102 loss at Chicago on Tuesday, Detroit head coach Michael Curry said it was imperative the Pistons' young big men -- Johnson and Jason Maxiell, specifically -- step up and play well.
"Amir and Max combined for one defensive rebound in 33 minutes," Curry said. "That's not going to be good enough, so Dice (Antonio McDyess) and Sheed had to be out there longer against younger, more athletic guys."
Early in his career, the Pistons would have been pleased with whatever contributions they got from Johnson, who was drafted in the second round by Detroit with the No. 56 overall pick.
Now that he's a starter, there are expectations which he admits have been a challenge.
"It has," he said. "But you can't look down on yourself."
His biggest hurdle this season has been staying out of foul trouble.
Johnson averages 3.3 personal fouls per game despite averaging just 17 minutes.
Only eight NBA players average more fouls per game than Johnson, but each plays at least 22 minutes per game.
While Johnson remains confident he can help the Pistons become a better team, it remains to be seen if Detroit feels the same.
Curry, an 11-year NBA veteran, understands how unsettling this time of year can be to players, especially youngsters like Johnson who never have been included in trade rumors.
"But to be really good, you got to be able to handle change," Curry said.
"You've got to be able to handle trade rumors -- just anything that comes up. Just stay steady. The steadier you can be, the better you perform."
