The Detroit Pistons have a crowded frontcourt. The team has three quality big menin Josh Smith, Andre Drummond and Greg Monroe. Both could be potential starters with any team which has opened Detroit up to multiple trade rumors as the deadline approaches in February. Currently in a six-game losing streak, the Pistons insist no one is getting moved in favor of the future.
Detroit has plenty of issues right now and one of them is trying to find a center that fits with their offensive spacing. Josh Smith signed a four-year, $54 million contract in the postseason that only brought on more questions. It seemed like the team would make a deal after getting the former Atlanta Hawk, but ProBasketballTalk.com reports the Pistons are not engaging in any negotiations despite reports.
Vince Ellis of the Detroit Press wrote in saying, "I can say with certainty there is no talk of trading Greg Monroe currently. Could that change? Sure, but right now the Pistons are going to be patient."
Dan Feldman at ProBasketballTalk brings up good statistical information supporting the idea that Detroit is better with two big men on the court, but not three. Monroe is the easier to trade of the three. The 23-year-old will be a restricted free agent at the end of the summer. He cannot command a max deal, but could be in store for a pay raise, something the Pistons will not offer considering Smith's current contract. He is young and could upgrade any team looking for talent.
Several teams are in need of talented frontcourt help so the Pistons would be wise to consider a trade if teams call. The Brooklyn Nets are in need of help after losing Brook Lopez to injury. They have their disabled player exception granted by the league that could be used on Monroe. The Atlanta Hawks are in need of replacing Al Horford after he was lost to injury. The Los Angeles Clippers are also looking for backup help for DeAndre Drummond. All three teams missed out on Andrew Bynum, but could make a deal considering Detroit could use some wing players.
Just because the Pistons are denying any trade talks, this is the NBA. Just a few days ago it seemed all-but-certain that Luol Deng would not be leaving the Chicago Bulls and now the forward is a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Pistons have a crowded roster and a declining record, anything can happen.
