The Greg Monroe and Josh Smith drama continues as the Detroit Pistons cannot seem to make up their minds as to which player stays and which player goes this offseason. It was clear last season that Smith and Monroe do not function well together on the court, leaving Detroit to keep one and potentially trade another. The Pistons continue to fail to secure deals for either player, but now two teams are emerging as potential partners.
According to Jordan Schultz of the Huffington Post, the Phoenix Suns are looking to get involved in a sign-and-trade deal for Monroe. Right now, the Suns have cap space to burn. They were looking to use it on Eric Bledsoe in free agency, but right now that is not working out. The two sides are far apart on contract talks and after acquiring Isaiah Thomas, the Suns are not looking to overspend on the point guard. With that, Monroe becomes a target. Phoenix technically has enough space to acquire both players, but would lose long-term flexibility as a result. The Suns like the idea of signing Monroe, but ideally want to keep Bledsoe more. Signing both is a nice option for next season, but not for years after.
The Detroit Pistons are hoping this deal can happen because trade talks for Smith have once again stalled out. Detroit was in negotiations with the Sacramento Kings about dealing Smith, but have pulled back for a second time. Getting Smith with four years and $54 million remaining on a contract is certainly a risk to take, on the Kings are willing to do. However, the Pistons have yet to be satisfied with the return package being offered.
According to ESPN's Marc Stein, the Pistons were not fond of the Jason Thompson, Derrick Williams package and also wanted nothing to do with Jason Terry who has been unhappy for some time. While Ben McLemore's name has been mentioned in some talks, the Kings are aiming to keep him on for at least another season. Detroit has been very picky when it comes to a deal for Smith, but with his contract size, they must give in to something in order to move the forward.
