The Detroit Pistons are reportedly on the verge of making a big trade involving power forward Greg Monroe and Josh Smith, while the Cleveland Cavaliers are offering shooting guard Dion Waiters in exchange for a shot-blocker on the trading front.
According to Shams Charania of Real GM, the Pistons tried to trade Monroe last summer for a chance to land an All-Star caliber talent, but they found no team willing to risk that much talent in exchange for a power forward, who is set to hit the free-agency market at the end of the 2014-15 NBA season.
"[Stan Van Gundy] The president and coach requested All-Star caliber players in return, league sources told RealGM via Bleacher Report. In one instance, two other franchises had agreed to a three-team deal that needed the Pistons' acceptance, delivering Monroe a maximum-level contract, opposing team executives involved pushed for it. Only, Detroit rejected."
The primary reasons behind the Pistons' decision to reject the three-team trade was Stan Van Gundy's willingness to give the Big 3 (Monroe with Josh Smith and Andre Drummond) another chance to prove their worth. Unfortunately, the Pistons have been a mess through their first month as they hit rock bottom in the Eastern Conference with a 3-18 record.
According to multiple sources, the Pistons are now entertaining offers for Smith and Monroe, who appears to be the more enticing trade target between the two because of his salary-cap qualifying contract worth $5.48 million.
The Atlanta Hawks, Houston Rockets and Charlotte Hornets emerge as possible suitors for Monroe, who is putting up at least 14 points and 9 rebounds in 30 minutes of playing time per game.
Meanwhile, the Cavaliers are reportedly seeking some help in the middle using shooting guard Dion Waiters as their trade bait. According to latest reports, the Cavs are trying to work out a deal with the Memphis Grizzlies for backup center and former OhioStats Buckeyes Kosta Koufus.
"Far more worrisome to the Cavs than their uneven 11-7 start is the lack of a proven presence at the rim to help stiffen their defense for the long term. That's why Cleveland, sources say, has been inquiring with the Memphis Grizzlies about the available of reserve center Kosta Koufos among their various trade pursuits," ESPN reported.
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