Greg Monroe rumors: Teams didn't make offers because they knew Detroit Pistons would match

Detroit Pistons’ restricted free agent big man Greg Monroe may be the best the player left on the market (although Phoenix Suns’ restricted free agent Eric Bledsoe has quite the argument. Although the Atlanta Hawks, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers, Orlando Magic, Phoenix Suns Portland Trail Blazers have all had various degrees interest, he never inked an offer sheet with any team.

More from Detroit Pistons

One report suggests teams were weary of tying up cap space in Monroe. Alex Kennedy explains the logic behind that thought – teams all believed the Pistons would match but would wait the full 72 hours to do it, meaning they would lose that cap space for three days and would have to hold off on pursuing other players only to see Monroe remain with the Pistons.

"No team extended an offer sheet to Monroe because they believed Detroit would match. Now, the free agency money has dried up so Monroe is in a tough spot with zero leverage. He can either negotiate a deal with the Pistons to stay in Detroit long-term, or he can sign for the one-year qualifying offer that would pay him $10,216,135 and allow him to become an unrestricted free agent next summer. Like I said about Eric Bledsoe at the beginning of this chat, restricted free agent is tough for players. While it works out for some players, like Chandler Parsons and Gordon Hayward, it sucks for a lot of players, especially if you’re someone who teams view as unattainable since your team will automatically match any offer you receive."

Monroe put up 15.2 points, 9.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.1 steals per game while shooting 49.7% from the field and 65.7% from the free throw line last season.

Home/Detroit Pistons

Greg Monroe rumors: Teams didn’t make offers because they knew Detroit Pistons would match

By Andrew Melnick | Jul 25, 2014