Greg Monroe officially signs Detroit Pistons qualifying offer

The long-lasting stalemate between the Detroit Pistons and restricted free agent Greg Monroe is finally over.

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While news of Greg Monroe likely signing a one-year qualifying offer was leaked last week, the move was made official today as the Detroit Pistons confirmed the news via press release.

“I have said from day one that we have great respect for Greg as a person and like what he brings to this team as a player,” head coach Stan Van Gundy said in the team’s statement. “We have had good dialogue with Greg throughout the offseason with the understanding that there were multiple options for both parties involved, and we respect his decision.  We look forward to a great year from Greg as we continue to build our team moving forward.”

Monroe, for whatever reason, was not willing to commit to the Detroit Pistons from a long-term standpoint and now will play out the year on his one-year qualifying offer. It’s not without risk as the former Georgetown product could get injured and such would cost him significantly in free agency.

However, by accepting the qualifying offer the Detroit Pistons will not be able to trade Greg Monroe this season without his consent. A trade is reportedly unlikely as Monroe would lose his Bird Rights in such a deal (allowing him to get more money in free agency) so he’s expected to remain with the team through the season.

Detroit and Monroe could attempt to engage in a sign-and-trade scenario at season end so the Pistons get some type of asset in return rather than letting the power forward walk for nothing.