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NBA Detroit Pistons

Greg Monroe Crazy To Think He Has Future With Detroit Pistons

By

Greg Monroe Van Gundy

Steve Mitchell – USA Today Sports Images

The Detroit Pistons entered the 2014 NBA offseason with only one real major decision to be made in terms of their roster. With new head coach Stan Van Gundy also calling the personnel shots in the front office, the Pistons had the choice on whether or not to re-sign restricted free agent Greg Monroe.

The Pistons offered Monroe a hefty four-year deal in free agency, but Monroe ultimately declined that deal. Ultimately, Monroe is still going to be with the Pistons for the 2014-15 NBA season, but for a much cheaper price as they landed him for the $5.5 million qualifying offer. Subsequently, Monroe will enter unrestricted free agency after the season, which seemingly is his plan.

The predominant belief is that Monroe plans to earn even bigger money this season with his performance, though he has stated recently that he’d like to stay in Detroit. He’s shown he can be a steady contributor, but hasn’t done so under the umbrella of team success, something that Van Gundy is hoping to bring to this team. The problem for Monroe is that Van Gundy’s plan for this team could seriously hurt Monroe’s value.

Van Gundy stated in a recent interview that he doesn’t plan on the trio of Monroe, Andre Drummond and Josh Smith being a part of their “primary lineup.” In the same interview, he also said that it was a concern that Monroe didn’t know if he wanted to be with Detroit during contract negotiations. While the latter may not affect Monroe’s minutes, the former most certainly will.

Monroe could very well get a pay day in the summer of 2015, but it’s entirely too idealistic of him to think that big deal is going to be with Detroit. As Van Gundy looks to create cap room to build the team he desires to have and as he looks to likely open up the frontcourt a bit to fit a team better suited to his style of coaching, Monroe looks like an expendable commodity for the Pistons.

Cody Williamsis a Senior Writer with Rant Sports. Follow Cody on Twitter @TheSizzle20, add him on Google and like his Facebook page.