Detroit Pistons forward Greg Monroe signed the team's one-year qualifying offer on Monday. Because Monroe will now become an unrestricted free agent in 2015, it's even more unlikely Detroit will trade forward Josh Smith.
Monroe and the Pistons finally came to an agreement, sort of. After a lengthy holdout, the Pistons announced Tuesday Monroe had signed his qualifying offer and will be with Detroit for at least another season.
"I have said from day one that we have great respect for Greg as a person and like what he brings to this team as a player," Pistons president and coach Stan Van Gundy said in a statement released on the team website. "We have had good dialogue with Greg throughout the offseason with the understanding that there were multiple options for both parties involved, and we respect his decision. We look forward to a great year from Greg as we continue to build our team moving forward."
Monroe purportedly wanted out of Detroit, but with neither a sign-and-trade nor another offer materializing, was forced to sign Detroit's offer. The terms of the offer were not disclosed, but barring any special clauses, Monroe will become an unrestricted free agent next summer.
It's written on the wall Monroe won't return after the season, which makes any trade involving Smith highly unlikely to happen now. Detroit reportedly toyed with the idea of moving Smith - the Sacramento Kings were mentioned - but will now likely hang onto the veteran to replace Monroe full-time next season at the 4-spot, which is Smith's natural position.
If Monroe hits the open market next summer, as expected, he won't be short of suitors. He's one of the league's top power forwards, and with next year's free agency class saturated with guards, would be one of the premier big men available to teams willing to give him a big pay day.
The Washington Wizards had been reported as a potential suitor for Monroe, but the large contract given to Marcin Gortat over the summer may have changed that. The New York Knicks would also have the money next summer to pursue him, if they choose to go that route.
