UPDATE: The Detroit Pistons announced the qualifying offer signing by Greg Monroe.
As had been expected, Pistons big man Greg Monroe has reportedly accepted a $5.5 million qualifying offer, and the restricted free agent is set to leave the franchise next summer.
A sign-and-trade couldn’t be worked out, clearing the way for Monroe’s exit from Detroit as an unrestricted free agent in 2015. Per Yahoo! Sports:
For Monroe, this is a bold step that few have taken before him. It brings with it significant financial risk if he suffers a serious injury this season and loses market value. Nevertheless, Monroe has wanted out of Detroit, where he was drafted in 2010, and he’ll get his wish next summer.
Pistons president and coach Stan Van Gundy had been unwilling to pay Monroe as one of the NBA’s top forwards, and several attempts at sign-and-trade scenarios – including lengthy discussions with Portland, sources said – proved fruitless.
The Pistons have been unafraid of losing Monroe for nothing next summer, believing the savings in salary-cap space has value to the remaking of the roster.
