The Detroit Pistons are facing tough decision on power forward Greg Monroe, who will become an unrestricted free-agent next summer. The Oklahoma City Thunder might be willing to help solve such dilemma.
Monroe, who accepted a qualifying worth just $5 million this year to become an unrestricted free-agent this season, could still be shipped to another team before the February trade deadline despite his power to veto any trade put on the table by the Pistons.
However, Sheridan Hoops writer Jacob Eisenberg thinks there one solid trade out there that Monroe won't certainly turn down and benefits all parties involved.
The Thunder, with all the big weapons they have, are still looking for their first championship in franchise history. Despite the presence of Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, analysts believed Oklahoma City needs to have a reliable low-post scorer to get over the hump, and Eisenberg is confident Monroe fits the role perfectly.
Monroe stressed numerous times that his contract impasse with the Detroit Pistons wasn't about money. In fact, he admitted the Pistons offered a big money extension last summer. Then again, his decision to take the qualifying contract stemmed from his desire to play for a winning ball club.
The Thunder is certainly one of the elite teams in the NBA, and it won't be shock if Monroe accepts a trade just to play alongside Durant and Westbrook for a shot at his first NBA championship.
According to Eisenberg, incoming restricted free-agents Perry Jones III, Jeremy Lamb and Reggie Jackson are all potential trade chips for the Thunder.
"Does Monroe seem too pricey for the Thunder in terms of assets? Maybe not when you consider Detroit has to prepare for the jones-lamb possibility of losing him for nothing in free agency, so he may never be more affordable," according to Eisenberg.
"The Pistons could be willing to trade Monroe - if he approves the deal - for a collection of budding role players, which the Thunder have."
"From top-tier assets like Steven Adams and Reggie Jackson (who may be off limits) to slightly less touted assets like Mitch McGary, Jeremy Lamb, Andre Roberson, Perry Jones III and Josh Huestis, the Thunder can offer the Pistons young depth for a roster that Stan Van Gundy is in the process of overhauling."
The time is slowly ticking for head coach and general manager Stan Van Gundy to make a decision. With the possibility of losing Monroe for nothing looming large, the Pistons have a nice trade partner waiting in the wing.
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