The Detroit Pistons have three big men in the frontcourt and only one of them appears to be safe with the team as the trade deadline approaches. Greg Monre, Andre Drummond and Josh Smith are not functioning well together. While all three players are talented as individuals, together they cannot figure out chemistry. The Pistons continue to say they are not exploring trades at this time, but interest is high around Monroe and Smith.
Alex Kennedy of Basketball Insider says the Washington Wizards are very interested in a trade for Monroe. The 22-year-old center has tremendous upside with a lot of potential to be a top player in the league. He is averaging 16.0 points and 9.6 rebounds per game. However, an expiring contract and lack of chemistry with two other highly paid stars could make him expendable.
According to Kennedy, the Wizards want Monroe whether it is through a trade or free agency. Detroit has another month to determine if they plan on offering the center a max contract in the offseason. If not, a trade could be the best option moving forward instead of losing a great, young player for nothing in return. With Trevor Ariza and Marcin Gortat both having expiring deals, the Wizards could offer the center a nice salary in free agency. Otto Portor, Martell Webster and Bradley Beal could all be nice in a trade package for Detroit.
While rumors begin to swirl around Monroe, many wonder if it is Smith that could be the trade bait come February. Zach Lowe at Grantland brings up the idea of a trade involving Smith considering how big the trio has been a flop. Smith is in his first year with the team and not living up to his contract. While that deal makes him difficult to trade, Smith really is a star in the wrong situation. He was "the guy" in Atlanta, but signing to a team with terrible spacing is not helping him succeed.
Detroit Pistons beat writer Vincent Goodwill reports that the Pistons will be very active before the trade deadline. What that means is pure speculation at this point. Both Smith and Monroe are the most likely candidates to get sent packing.
