Greg Monroe rumors: Detroit Pistons won't give a max offer

The Detroit Pistons and big man Greg Monroe could be heading for a split.

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Monroe is a restricted free agent and the Pistons already have a lot of money invested in Josh Smith, who, like Monroe, is better suited as a power forward. The Pistons signed Smith to a four-year, $54 mllion deal a year ago. The preference of new Pistons’ head coach and president Stan Van Gundy would probably be to deal Smith, but it seems like working out a sign-and-trade for Monroe is the more likely scenario (although the talks have reportedly gained “little traction”).

Even if the Pistons want to keep Monroe, it does not seem like they want to break the bank to do so. In fact, Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders believes it is “clear” the Pistons are not willing to give Monroe a max offer, but will still likely match whatever offer sheet he signs.

"The Detroit Pistons have $1.43 million in space, but are carrying a $10.216 million cap hold on their qualifying offer to Greg Monroe. Pistons president Stan Van Gundy has labeled retaining Monroe as the team’s top offseason priority, but it’s clear they are not willing to give a max offer. With almost no money left in the market, they are simply playing the waiting game. There were reports that the Phoenix Suns may make an offer to Monroe, but it’s likely that Detroit matches an offer sheet."

Monroe averaged 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.

The Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix Suns are both interested in acquiring Monroe.

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Greg Monroe rumors: Detroit Pistons won’t give a max offer

By Andrew Melnick | Jul 21, 2014