Even though the pair did not perform well together last year, Josh Smith and Greg Monroe seem to be tied together as far as their future with the Detroit Pistons, or another team through trade goes.
There has been much speculation about which player would go where, with the most viable rumors concerning Smith being a trade with the Sacramento Kings, while it was reported Monroe's main goal was to get out of Detroit, and he has been linked to many teams around the NBA.
But, as many trades have happened in the NBA this offseason, nothing has happened for either Smith or Monroe so far.
In essence, it seems the Pistons have now come to the wise conclusion that it is going to be hard for them to keep both players, and it seems they would rather keep Monroe, but if he is determined to leave, then they should hang on to Smith.
Chuck Myron of Hoops Rumors addressed the trade possibilities in a live chat on Monday -
"It's funny, because if I recall correctly, in their latest reports on the matter, Adrian Wojnarowski and Zach Lowe cast starkly conflicting pictures of the chances this comes up again. I think Woj essentially said no way, while Lowe suggested it was a distinct possibility. In any case, I wouldn't be shocked, but I'd imagine much of it is tied to Greg Monroe. If Monroe's gone or takes the qualifying offer, Smith is far more valuable than he otherwise would be to Detroit."
Smith averaged 16.4 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.4 blocks per game. Monroe Averaged 15.2 points, 9.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and .6 blocks per game. Smith was selected by the Atlanta Hawks with the 17th overall pick in the first round of the 2004 NBA Draft and spent his first nine seasons there before signing a four-year, $54 million deal with the Pistons last summer. Monroe was drafted by the Pistons in 2010 with the 7th overall pick in the first round. He is slated to become an unrestricted free agent next summer.
If the Pistons can get a long term commitment from Monroe, then look for the Sacramento Kings to go hot and heavy after Smith. If Monroe signs his qualifying offer as he is expected to do, then look for things to remain stagnant until after next season when Monroe has more control.
