No Question, Greg Monroe Wants Out Of Detroit

Mar 11, 2014; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons power forward

(10) points up during the national anthem before the game against the Sacramento Kings at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Pistons beat the Kings 99-89. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

There have been many reports about Greg Monroe this offseason. The speculation in those reports has been all over the map ranging from sign and trades to offer sheets. Still in all the reports there was an underlying theme that both sides wanted to work it out.  Both sides wanted a long-term relationship as opposed to the one year qualifying offer from the Pistons.

But with all the different options available to Greg Monroe it seems his mind was already set to get out of Detroit.

According to a story by Micheal Lee of the Washington Post, Greg Monroe and his agent David Falk never pursued an offer sheet in order to force the Detroit Pistons into a  max contract.  Monroe only pursued sign and trade scenarios that would have sent the Pistons power forward out of the Motor City.

"Monroe and his agent, David Falk, never sought an offer sheet from another team but pursued sign-and-trade proposals with at least five other teams, including Portland and Oklahoma City, according to person familiar with the discussions. Monroe denied receiving a reported five-year, $60 million offer – or anything close – from Pistons and would’ve been unlikely to accept either way."

The latest reports regarding Greg Monroe’s wrestling match with restricted free agency had him turning down the $60 million dollar offer from the Pistons. Greg Monroe denied receiving any such offer even through owner Tom Gores confirmed the offer had been made.  But all of that doesn’t matter.  Monroe wants out of Detroit even if it costs him $10 million in the short-term.

Greg Monroe has until October 1st to sign the Detroit Pistons one-year $5.5 million qualifying offer.  After he signs it the leverage swings back in his direction because under the collective bargaining agreement the deal would give him the right to veto any trade.

If the Pistons are serious about keeping Greg Monroe that will give them a year to convince him to stay in Motown.  But with all the water under the bridge that is unlikely to happen meaning the 2014 season will be the last time fans will see their former 1st round pick in a Pistons uniform.