Report: Greg Monroe Tells Pistons He Will Sign Qualifying Offer
CBS DETROIT - Detroit Pistons forward Greg Monroe will sign a one-year qualifying offer to remain with the Pistons for the 2014-2015 season and then become an unrestricted free agent, USA Today reports.
Currently a restricted free agent, the 24-year-old Monroe had limited options in terms of parting ways with the Pistons this offseason. If he wanted out of Detroit, he could have agreed to a sign-and-trade, or he could have solicited an offer sheet from another team and hoped the Pistons would not match it.
On the other hand, if Monroe wanted to stay in Detroit long-term, he could have worked out an extension with the Pistons.
For now, Monroe has essentially remained noncommittal, opting to take far less money this season - roughly $5 million - than he could have earned with a new contract. However, the move enables Monroe to take full advantage of unrestricted free agency next year.
Barring poor production or injury in the upcoming season, Monroe should be a hot commodity on the open market. Known as a throwback big man with traditional back-to-the-basket moves, Monroe has averaged at least 15 points and 9 rebounds per game in each of his last three seasons.