The Detroit Pistons have been off to a tough start this season and if things continue to spiral down, teams may check in on a Greg Monroe or Josh Smith trade, as teams like the NY Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers, Chicago Bulls, Miami Heat or Sacramento Kings could be interested in making moves at the NBA trading deadline in 2014-15.
Both Monroe and Smith came up in trade rumors over the summer and heading into this season, it was likely that both would end up getting mentioned again at the deadline. Monroe signed a one year qualifying offer, so he can put a stop to any trades, but depending on how this season plays out, he could be more willing to move. Monroe was looking to sign a long term deal, but he was not happy about the direction of the Pistons over the past few years and now he is essentially betting on himself heading into free agency next summer.
Monroe has developed into one of the best young forwards in the league and after averaging 15 points and nine rebounds last season, he is averaging 15.6 points and 10.3 rebounds so far this year. Some teams that could be interested in Monroe on the free agent market next summer include the LA Lakers, Knicks, Boston Celtics and Chicago Bulls, while Monroe said that he is not opposed to staying in Detroit as well. While it's unlikely that Monroe gets moved unless something drastic happens, Smith is a player that could end up getting traded this season.
The Pistons were hoping to move Smith last summer, as they wanted to sign Monroe long term, but neither of those things worked out and now the Pistons have to play the waiting game a bit. ESPN.com reported that Smith was a main target for the Kings and while the Pistons and Kings had discussions on a deal, it never went down. Smith is an offensive player and the Kings hoped to pair him with center DeMarcus Cousins to help fortify the front court.
The Pistons want to build around Andre Drummond and Monroe and they have already signed Drummond, which is why many think Smith will get moved. Grantland reported earlier in the summer that Monroe wanted Smith traded or he wouldn't sign back with the team and while Monroe's reps refuted the report, it makes sense for the forward. Smith, Drummond and Monroe play in the same space and moving one of those players would open up the logjam and allow more minutes for the young stars.
The Pistons come into the week at 3-9 and they have struggled on offense even with Smith and that could lead to some trade options this season. Brandon Jennings is leading the team in scoring and Andre Drummond has continued to develop into an All-Star player, but overall the team is just not very good. The team comes in ranked fourth in rebounding and Monroe has helped that along, while they are also 10th in points allowed per game.
