The three big men for the Detroit Pistons appear to be headed nowhere this season. For the better part of the offseason, questions have risen over which player stays and which goes out of the Andre Drummond, Josh Smith and Greg Monroe tandem. With Monroe currently fighting his worth towards the team and Smith attached to an untradeable contract, will it be Drummond that actually cashes in?
Of all the trade rumors that circulated around the Detroit Pistons, one thing was clear, Drummond was the player they intend to remain invested in for the long-term. The center is set to earn $3 million next season and $4 million in 2016 before becoming a restricted free agent. According to Steve Kyler of BasketballInsiders.com, Drummond will get a max contract when the opportunity comes up. The Pistons have been impressed with the progress Drummond has displayed in his short career and intend on making him a franchise player over the likes of Monroe and Smith.
With Stan Van Gundy now the new head coach, he intends on making Drummond the primary post option for the team. According to Kyler, Gundy believes Drummond is ready for the spotlight and his stats dictate his ability to be a No. 1 option. While his growth was stunted somewhat with Smith and Monroe clogging up the inside, Drummond was still a double-double machine while also shooting 62.3 percent from the field. Gundy plans on making him a feature of the offense.
So where does this leave Monroe and Smith? Right now, Monroe is stomping his feet for a big contract. That is simply not coming given his restricted free agent status. Any offer placed on him will get matched by Detroit. Most NBA sources believe Monroe will cave to the one-year qualifying offer and then become an unrestricted free agent next summer. Smith is not headed anywhere as well given no one wants his contract on the books. However, next season he becomes less of a burden and a deal could come then.
The Sacramento Kings continue to explore a trade for Smith, but so far that is not coming along as Detroit does not like the return offer. The Atlanta Hawks and Los Angeles Lakers have shown interest in Monroe, but will not make an offer knowing Detroit will match it. Drummond will be the one that continues to reap the rewards moving forward.
