Greg Monroe rumors: Forward received two max offers this summer
Based on the words of Jeff Zillget of USA TODAY Sports, what we expected to happen with Greg Monroe in free agency did occur: the big man was reportedly offered two max contracts this off-season.
"Monroe is willing, believing the money will be there for him. Monroe will be one of the best big men available next summer and is expected to receive several offers. He received two max offers this offseason, but a sign-and-trade deal could not be reached, a person familiar with situation said."
Obviously what’s unclear here is who the offers stemmed from. There were rumors the Detroit Pistons had a large offer on the table for Monroe, but, via Twitter, Monroe refuted those rumors. That leaves a handful of teams to pick through if you see fit to determine where the offers came from.
Some teams that come to mind? The Houston Rockets and Los Angele Lakers, two teams who hoped to secure a borderline star in free agency. But due to the implications of restricted free agency, those offers may not have been officially extended as an offer sheet complicates salary space for a maximum of three days. By doing so, this could allow free agent targets to go signed while the franchises wait on a decision in regards to Monroe–and there’s no guarantee Monroe would be signed as the Pistons hold the opportunity to match any offer on the table.
Of course, this won’t be the last time Monroe is offered a max deal. Expected to accept the Pistons qualifying offer of ~$5 million, Monroe is essentially signing a one-year deal, allowing himself to enter free agency unrestricted in the summer of the 2015. Then, teams will be able to offer a maximum contract without the threat of restricted free agency.
Last season, Monroe averaged 15.2 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game.