Detroit Pistons forward Greg Monroe reportedly is not on the trade block. With teams such as the Washington Wizards supposedly looking to acquire the big man before the NBA trade deadline, sources tell ESPN the Pistons have no intentions of moving Monroe.
"Sources briefed on the situation told ESPN.com this week that the Pistons have been telling teams with Monroe interest that the restricted free agent-to-be - no matter what you've heard - is not available," ESPN's Marc Stein wrote on Wednesday. "... Sources say teams calling to inquire about Monroe's availability are being advised that he's not on the market."
Detroit made a big splash in free agency during the summer by signing Josh Smith to a four-year, $54 million deal in hopes of creating a dominant frontcourt with Monroe, Smith and Andre Drummond.
The big man trio hasn't yet worked out. Detroit (18-27) is struggling to stay in contention for the No. 8 Eastern Conference playoff spot, which has spurred on speculation the team may trade Monroe to acquire a perimeter shooter.
Alex Kennedy of BasketballInsiders.com first reported the possibility of a Monroe trade.
"One player who has been mentioned in trade rumors throughout this season is Greg Monroe, the young power forward who will be a restricted free agent this offseason since he couldn't agree on an extension with the Pistons," Kennedy wrote on Jan. 20. "...It's possible that Detroit moves the valuable Monroe to upgrade another position and slide (Josh) Smith over to power forward.
"One team that is interested in Monroe is the Washington Wizards, according to multiple league sources. It's becoming clear that Washington is planning to pursue (Monroe), either through trade or free agency."
Kennedy added, "How the team performs in the coming weeks could determine what the (Pistons') front office does next, similar to what's occurring with the Toronto Raptors right now."
Stein seemed to agree with the last part of Kennedy's report.
"What remains to be seen, of course, is how firm that position stays with slightly more than three weeks to go before the deadline," Stein wrote.
The NBA trade deadline is Feb. 20. Monroe becomes a restricted free agent after the season.
