Detroit Pistons rumors: Greg Monroe wants Josh Smith traded
By Bryan Rose
Earlier today it was suggested that the Detroit Pistons, who previously attempted to trade Josh Smith to the Sacramento Kings, could rekindle such talks after the alleged trade fell apart. Why, you ask? Well, because apparently, Josh Smith isn’t wanted in Motown. Not so much by the team or fans, but by a fellow teammate as according to Zach Lowe, Greg Monroe has asked for Smith to be moved.
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A restricted free agent, Monroe has the ability to sign a one-year tender offer with the Pistons (assuming they agree) and would then become a unrestricted free agent after the end of the 2014-15 season. That’s apparently he plan if the Pistons don’t trade Josh Smith says Grantland.
“Multiple sources say Greg Monroe’s camp has made it known Monroe will sign the one-year qualifying offer if Smith remains on the roster,” says Lowe. “Monroe’s camp denies that, and that kind of empty threat is not atypical from top restricted free agents. It’s really their only form of leverage.”
That’s a pretty big request from any player, let alone a restricted free agent who’s just coming off his rookie contract. Still, as poorly as Smith played for the Detroit Pistons last season it’s not exactly a poor suggestion on the part of Greg Monroe who likely has grown tiresome of Smith’s lack of concern on the court.
Smith is the same player who suggested he didn’t care what his shooting percentage was.
Whatever the case may be, it clearly sounds as if there is potential locker room issues evolving (if they haven’t already) if a trade involving either Smith or Greg Monroe isn’t completed.