The Detroit Pistons own Big Three of Andre Drummond, Josh Smith and Greg Monroe turned out to be a big mess last season. The three failed to function on the court properly, leaving the Pistons to decide if a trade is worth it or not. Both Drummond and Smith still have time on their contracts while Monroe is a restricted free agent and getting some attention in the offseason. While trading Monroe seems like the likely answer, is it Smith that goes instead.
According to Zach Lowe at ESPN's Grantland, Monroe is requesting that he re-signs with the Pistons and Smith gets traded out of Detroit. Smith was Detroit's big offseason signing last year. The team truly thought they had a roster that would contend for the playoffs, but once again that failed to pan out. Now something has to give and Monroe does not want it to be him.
"Multiple sources say Greg Monroe's camp has made it known Monroe will sign the one-year qualifying offer if Smith remains on the roster," says Lowe. "Monroe's camp denies that, and that kind of empty threat is not atypical from top restricted free agents. It's really their only form of leverage."
Monroe has the ability to sign a one-year tender offer with the Pistons and then become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. His request is a pretty big one considering his status as a restricted free agent coming off his first contract in the league. Of course Smith did struggled last season compared to his numbers with the Atlanta Hawks. However, that appears to not be the biggest issue as Detroit potentially has locker room issues on their hands now.
According to Alex Kennedy of Basketball Insiders, the Sacramento Kings might give Monroe his wish. It is being reported that they are interested In restarting trade talks with the Pistons in regards to Smith. Their original offer of Derrick Williams and Jason Thompson went nowhere simply because Detroit tabled the talks. However, with this recent news of Monroe, dealing Smith might be the best option. If Smith truly hits the open market, more teams than just the Kings will inquire about him.
