Since the arrival of Stan Van Gundy as head coach of the Detroit Pistons, the team has been trying to figure out which current players stay and which go via trade or free agency. The team's trio of big men, Josh Smith, Greg Monroe, and Andre Drummond, failed to be productive last season while all on the court which could force Detroit to make a move sooner rather than later.
Smith and Monroe are the two popular trade pieces. So far in the NBA offseason, Detroit has shown little to no interest in trading Drummond. Monroe is a restricted free agent while Smith is just a year into a four-year, $52 million contract he signed after leaving the Atlanta Hawks. Monroe appears to be the favorite of the two in Van Gundy's eyes, so which player will get sent away?
According to Sam Amick of USA Today, despite Smith's struggles, the Pistons are not interested in dealing him. Smith has been a career power forward. However, when playing with Drummond and Monroe, he is forced to be a small forward, a position change that killed his season. Many speculated that Smith would get shopped because of that and Monroe would be the player re-signed. Van Gundy reportedly still sees a lot of value in Smith if Detroit can figure out how to use him.
That leaves Monroe as the trade target. The big man has reportedly requested that he return to Detroit while Smith gets traded, but that might not be the case. Interest is high on Monroe and Detroit might not be looking to shell out the money it will take to keep him. Teams from the Los Angeles Lakers to the Atlanta Hawks are liking the idea of adding Monroe which means Smith would stay.
There has been plenty of trade talk regarding Smith. The Sacramento Kings were highly interested in adding the forward. They were seeking a trade with Isaiah Thomas, but Detroit has Brandon Jennings at the spot and will not make the move. Considering the contract Smith is signed to, even if the Pistons wanted a deal it would be hard to find. Monroe will be the player on the outside looking in.
