Pistons’ Greg Monroe signs qualifying offer
By Sam Richmond
The free agency of Detroit Pistons big man Greg Monroe is finally over. The 24-year-old signed the Pistons qualifying offer, which was first reported by Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports.
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While signing essentially a $5.3 million offer for one year likely wasn’t how Monroe envisioned his first foray into free agency ending up, the big man at least presents himself with flexibility once the 2015 offseason rolls around.
After seeing the restricted free agency process work about as poorly for him as it possibly could have, Monroe will get unrestricted status next year.
Monroe can become an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2015. Detroit, Monroe couldn't agree on an extension.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 5, 2014
Expect Monroe to be a highly sought out free agent next year. He averaged 15.2 points (49.7 percent shooting from the floor), 9.3 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game this past season and should only continue to improve.
For now, Monroe heads back to a Pistons team that’s trying to rebound from a terrible 29-win season a year ago. Detroit brought in Stan Van Gundy to coach the team and signed shooters such as Jodie Meeks this offseason to field a better lineup. The Pistons have a chance to surprise some people and make a run at a postseason spot now that Monroe is back.
With Monroe off the market, the next free agency domino to fall will be Eric Bledsoe. The point guard is also a restricted free agent and ultimately might have to take the Monroe route and sign the qualifying offer from the Phoenix Suns.