NBA Free Agency: Detroit Pistons May Be Willing To Overpay To Keep Greg Monroe
By Tony Fischer
Apr 13, 2014; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons forward Greg Monroe (10) dribbles around Toronto Raptors forward Tyler Hansbrough (50) in the fourth quarter at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Stan Van Gundy has made it clear that he values Greg Monroe. So much so that he has spent a lot of his time weighing every possible scenario that could involve the former first round pick.
"“We’ve been through basically every million-dollar increment of an offer sheet he can get, and what will we do if he takes the option of signing an offer sheet, and this is what he comes back with, what will we do?” Van Gundy said. “So to me, there’s not going to be any drama in it for us. We’ve already made that decision. We’ve already talked that through with ownership.”"
Van Gundy has said many times that he wants Greg Monroe back on the roster but if another team offers Monroe a max contract, the Pistons may be hard pressed to match. That is unless a sign and trade is involved.
"“If we make a trade, we’re going to get something we like, or we will not make a trade,” he said, adding that the Pistons “either want him (Monroe) back or we want good value for him.”"
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If Greg Monroe receives a qualifying offer, the Pistons do have the option to let him walk away. But Stan Van Gundy indicated during the press conference that the Pistons would rather keep Monroe than to let him walk away, even if they have to overpay him.
"“I think teams think it’s better, especially with younger guys, to have an asset, even if he’s overpaid, that can bring value down the road, than to have a guy go for nothing,” Van Gundy said."
Greg Monroe’s agent doesn’t feel his client will be overpaid with a max deal and expects him to get it. Monroe’s agent David Falk told the Detroit News that at least 10 teams are willing to give his client the money he deserves. One of those teams could be Monroe’s home town team the New Orleans Pelicans. If the Pelicans make him a max offer the Pistons could match and then trade Monroe to the Pelicans. getting value in return.
No matter what scenario takes place Stan Van Gundy says the Pistons are comfortable with the outcome.
"“I think you at least have to have a plan where if this happens, are we ready? What’s next for us? And we are ready,” Van Gundy said. “For me, that situation, we know exactly where we’re headed on that, so there’s not a lot of anxiety, in terms of what’s going to happen.”"
Now it’s time for you to play GM. What would you do if you were Stan Van Gundy? Tell us what you think.