The Detroit Pistons are once again realizing that three big men on the court at the same time is highly unproductive. There was hope that Stan Van Gundy stepping in at head coach would help solve the issues of last season, but it is much of the same in Detroit and now the Pistons are preparing to shop just about everyone on their roster as a result. However, are their asking prices too high to drive interest?
According to Howard Beck of Bleacher Report, everyone on the Pistons' roster is available for trades outside of Andre Drummond. It was already known that Greg Monroe was available. The young center wanted out last season instead was forced into signing a one-year qualifying offer. It was expected that Monroe would be shopped all season as Detroit is well aware he will be departing in free agency. However, Monroe is making it clear that any idea of a trade is not coming because he is requesting it.
"At this point, it's definitely annoying because we're trying to turn things around right here, right now," Mornoe said, via the Detroit News. "And I have to answer for something I have absolutely nothing to do with. It is annoying. There would be so much to go into that decision. It's something I haven't even ... I don't know dates, I haven't been thinking about it. I've just been thinking about basketball. If they feel the need to come to me, I would have to have the discussion but that discussion would have to be initiated by them, not by me."
According to USA Today Sports, the Pistons are demanding a first-round draft pick in exchange for Monroe. That means no trade will happen. The Los Angeles Lakers and Cleveland Cavaliers have been linked to a deal for the center, but not at the expense of a first-round draft pick for a player preparing to be a free agent in the summer. However, the Pistons will not stop at shopping just Monroe as Brandon Jennings and Josh Smith are available at the right price as well.
The idea that Smith is available is also nothing new. Detroit attempted to shop him in the offseason and came up unsuccessful as Smith's contract and stats do not equal out. He still has two years and $27 million remaining on his current contract. Jennings is also available as the point guard is not fitting the Van Gundy mold. Jennings is a talent and could draw interest from teams like the Lakers or Rockets, but again, not at the expense of a first-round draft pick. The chances Detroit pulls off any move is slim. They are simply asking for too much in return and failed efforts in the offseason will likely lead to failed efforts at the deadline.
