Marc Stein: Monroe not on the market

[Q00]

Those increasingly frequent suggestions that Greg Monroe will be moved before the Feb. 20 trade buzzer are premature.

For now, anyway.

Sources briefed on the situation told ESPN.com this week that the Pistons have been telling teams with Monroe interest that the restricted free agent-to-be -- no matter what you've heard -- is not available.

...What remains to be seen, of course, is how firm that position stays with slightly more than three weeks to go before the deadline.

...(but) Sources say teams calling to inquire about Monroe's availability are being advised that he's not on the market.

http://espn.go.com/blog/marc-stein/post ... reg-monroe

Make of it what you will. I know Stein and Dumars have been said to be close in the past and this could just be a way to ease things in the lockerroom while also forcing teams to increase their offers if they want him. If that is what Joe is doing I think its smart. It could also mean they really aren't trading him. I guess we won't really know until 3 weeks from now.

[DocRI]

This was the line which stood out to me —

Drummond ranks as the Pistons' lone untouchable. But the up-and-down Smith, in Year 1 of a new four-year deal worth $54 million, isn't especially movable. So that's how the whole notion of Monroe being moved to land the elite perimeter scorer Detroit sorely needs was hatched.

Kinda hard to miss those words, "elite perimeter scorer." Whether or not that's realistic, if those are the Pistons' expectations / requirements for trading Monroe then he's not likely to get moved. At the very least, we can all stop with the "lesser pieces, better fit" trade talk (i.e. Wilson Chandler, Jeff Green, Otto Porter, etc.). Heck, it probably even takes names like Eric Gordon, Aaron Afflalo, and Evan Turner off the table (at least if Monroe is the asking price). Of course, the whole point of the article is that the Pistons won't trade Monroe even FOR a legit "elite" perimeter player, but let's face it … the trade deadline is less than a month away, and speculation about moving Monroe (including and especially from us on these boards) aint gonna stop until it passes.

[Defor]

I don't have a problem with them keeping him, provided cheeks staggers their minutes and goes with the hot hand,something he should have been doing from the beginning. It would be nice if Joe could use some of our other players in a trade for a 3&d guy tho.

[sc8581]

I don't believe anything that comes from writers, GM's use them for their agendas.

[Q00]

This was the line which stood out to me —

Drummond ranks as the Pistons' lone untouchable. But the up-and-down Smith, in Year 1 of a new four-year deal worth $54 million, isn't especially movable. So that's how the whole notion of Monroe being moved to land the elite perimeter scorer Detroit sorely needs was hatched.

Kinda hard to miss those words, "elite perimeter scorer." Whether or not that's realistic, if those are the Pistons' expectations / requirements for trading Monroe then he's not likely to get moved. At the very least, we can all stop with the "lesser pieces, better fit" trade talk (i.e. Wilson Chandler, Jeff Green, Otto Porter, etc.). Heck, it probably even takes names like Eric Gordon, Aaron Afflalo, and Evan Turner off the table (at least if Monroe is the asking price). Of course, the whole point of the article is that the Pistons won't trade Monroe even FOR a legit "elite" perimeter player, but let's face it … the trade deadline is less than a month away, and speculation about moving Monroe (including and especially from us on these boards) aint gonna stop until it passes.

yeah, I'm not sure what to make of that sentence. I think it might just be Stein restating what the public perception is, in that they believe the Pistons need an elite perimeter scorer, as opposed toxwhat the Pistons actually believe they need. But I would expect the Pistons to be looking to get a perimeter player of at least the same caliber as Monroe. So you're probably right that it has to be an somewhat elite perimeter scorer in return.

Also need to define what elite scorer means. Sometimes that can just mean a guy avg over 20ppg, which in that case would include Afflalo this year. I'm not sure he's in that elite category of SGs, but in an era so devoid of elite SG talent, Afflalo might be considered that today. Aside from Harden and Wade, what other SGs are better than Afflalo right now?

I think I would do that deal if I were the Pistons if no better offers come in. Make them take Jerebko's contract to match salary, and his 7 mil salary will basically have no effect on our capspace this summer with Monroe off the books too. Then we'll still have Stuckey/CVs expiring contracts to sign a premier SF in FA like Deng perhaps.

Jennings/Afflalo/Deng/Smith/Drummond sounds like winning lineup to me.

Also, it would be great to know what teams he is citing that have called the Pistons about Monroe.

[Notanoob]

I hope that it's true that Monroe is not on the trading block, but haven't we seen stuff like this before? I don't think that Joe D makes a lot of noise before pulling off a trade.

[DocRI]

Also, it would be great to know what teams he is citing that have called the Pistons about Monroe.

^This.

Truthfully, Afflalo, Gordon, and even Turner COULD be considered "elite perimeter scorers;" it entirely depends upon how you define that term. And you're absolutely right about the lack of dynamic players at SG currently in the NBA, and especially those available. We can all agree that James Harden is an elite SG, and we can all agree that the Rockets NEVER called up Joe and offered him for Monroe. I guess what I take most from the article, or at least HOPE is the case, is that Dumars isn't going to sell short on Monroe; he'll either get 100 cents on the dollar for him or he'll keep him.

[sfballa13]

Remember right before Tayshaun was traded to Memphis almost the identical article was posted on the internet?

"Tay isn't going to be traded, he is not available, sorry"

Few weeks later, Tayshaun is gone.

You would have to be a moron to not see that Monroe is the odd man out. No way we are getting true value for Monroe. If we do trade him I want Jerebko, Datome, Bynum all gone as well. They are getting paid 9M together. Id much rather have Thad Young or another high priced bench player that can at least provide some scoring punch rather than those three losers

If Dumars really is trying to make the playoffs, I really like a trade with Philly

Monroe, Charlie V, Datome, Jerebko
for
Hawes, Turner, Young

Jennings / Bynum
KCP / Stuckey
Turner / Singler
Smith / Young / Harrelson
Drummond / Hawes

Philly saves 5M this year, 20M over the course of Young's deal and gets Monroe to pair with Noel and MCW.

Detroit has a deep lineup to take into the playoffs. They let Stuckey expire and could even resign Turner and Hawes to come off the bench as a third big man, even if he does get 8-9M why not. Better than paying Jerebko and Datome almost 7M next year.

[Q00]

Remember right before Tayshaun was traded to Memphis almost the identical article was posted on the internet?

"Tay isn't going to be traded, he is not available, sorry"

Few weeks later, Tayshaun is gone.

You would have to be a moron to not see that Monroe is the odd man out. No way we are getting true value for Monroe. If we do trade him I want Jerebko, Datome, Bynum all gone as well. They are getting paid 9M together. Id much rather have Thad Young or another high priced bench player that can at least provide some scoring punch rather than those three losers

Great point on Tay. I forgot about that.

Also great point on making whoever gets Monroe take Jerebko, Bynum, and Datome too. Even if we dont get a star for Monroe, if we get an upgrade on the perimeter who fits better with a guy like Affalo and some cap relief, allowing us to have max money to spend this summer, that will be a net positive in my opinion. Then we will still have money to go get that all-star perimeter guy in FA.

The thing about Young though is I don't think he solves any problems. He's kinda the same as Smith and not really a SF. Plus isn't really a 3pt shooter either. I feel like we would be trading Monroe for the same problem.

[kurtis48239]

2 inches of snow and cold weather is stopping this game,atlanta has to get on detroits page when it come to weather,we have had some wicked weather and havent canceled any games.I was looking forward to this game.

[sfballa13]

Remember right before Tayshaun was traded to Memphis almost the identical article was posted on the internet?

"Tay isn't going to be traded, he is not available, sorry"

Few weeks later, Tayshaun is gone.

You would have to be a moron to not see that Monroe is the odd man out. No way we are getting true value for Monroe. If we do trade him I want Jerebko, Datome, Bynum all gone as well. They are getting paid 9M together. Id much rather have Thad Young or another high priced bench player that can at least provide some scoring punch rather than those three losers

Great point on Tay. I forgot about that.

Also great point on making whoever gets Monroe take Jerebko, Bynum, and Datome too. Even if we dont get a star for Monroe, if we get an upgrade on the perimeter who fits better with a guy like Affalo and some cap relief, allowing us to have max money to spend this summer, that will be a net positive in my opinion. Then we will still have money to go get that all-star perimeter guy in FA.

The thing about Young though is I don't think he solves any problems. He's kinda the same as Smith and not really a SF. Plus isn't really a 3pt shooter either. I feel like we would be trading Monroe for the same problem.

I agree that Young is similar to Monroe, but the difference is he is willing to do what it takes to win whereas Monroe has a bigger ego about him and wants to start. If we were to bring Stuckey - Singler - Young - Hawes off the bench that would be a very dominant 2nd unit.

If we are going to trade for Afflalo, I wouldnt be so concerned about trading salary to Orlando as I would be in taking back salary as an incentive in a trade

Big Baby, Jameer Nelson, AA, Harris
for
Monroe, KCP, Charlie V, Datome, Bynum

Thats around 20M of savings for Orlando and they get two top 10 draft picks (one being a franchise big to replace Dwight) all for Harris and vets (AA included)

Jennings / Nelson
AA / Stuckey
Harris / Singler
Smith / Big Baby - Jerebko
Drummond / Harrelson

[dVs33]

I remember Tayshaun being the one who thought he wouldn't be traded. Joe never talked about it.

Also here's something for the pro monroe guys to have a look at.
http://www.detroitbadboys.com/2014/1/29 ... oe-pistons

[theBigLip]

Big difference with Tayshaun. That was a good trade to get out from his contract just as his game was declining. Monroe is going to get better (although more expensive). I'd bet he is still here this summer.

[piston1423]

No way do I buy Monroe isn't on the trading block. However, if he doesn't get traded by the deadline, I'd consider bringing him off the bench. He'd still get a good a mount of minutes plus he would be the number 1 option. Him and Stuckey would be a good 1-2 punch off the bench.

Jennings/Bynum
KCP/Stuckey
Singler/Datome
Smith/Harrellson
Drummond/Monroe

Then in the offseason we can figure out what to do with him. However if an offer that can get us Afflalo, Chandler or Green comes a long, I'd do it.

[mercury]

If they wait til the deadline they will remove most doubt that the big three won't work... who knows by then Smith could go on a roll.

[Q00]

Remember right before Tayshaun was traded to Memphis almost the identical article was posted on the internet?

"Tay isn't going to be traded, he is not available, sorry"

Few weeks later, Tayshaun is gone.

You would have to be a moron to not see that Monroe is the odd man out. No way we are getting true value for Monroe. If we do trade him I want Jerebko, Datome, Bynum all gone as well. They are getting paid 9M together. Id much rather have Thad Young or another high priced bench player that can at least provide some scoring punch rather than those three losers

Great point on Tay. I forgot about that.

Also great point on making whoever gets Monroe take Jerebko, Bynum, and Datome too. Even if we dont get a star for Monroe, if we get an upgrade on the perimeter who fits better with a guy like Affalo and some cap relief, allowing us to have max money to spend this summer, that will be a net positive in my opinion. Then we will still have money to go get that all-star perimeter guy in FA.

The thing about Young though is I don't think he solves any problems. He's kinda the same as Smith and not really a SF. Plus isn't really a 3pt shooter either. I feel like we would be trading Monroe for the same problem.

I agree that Young is similar to Monroe, but the difference is he is willing to do what it takes to win whereas Monroe has a bigger ego about him and wants to start. If we were to bring Stuckey - Singler - Young - Hawes off the bench that would be a very dominant 2nd unit.

If we are going to trade for Afflalo, I wouldnt be so concerned about trading salary to Orlando as I would be in taking back salary as an incentive in a trade

Big Baby, Jameer Nelson, AA, Harris
for
Monroe, KCP, Charlie V, Datome, Bynum

Thats around 20M of savings for Orlando and they get two top 10 draft picks (one being a franchise big to replace Dwight) all for Harris and vets (AA included)

I don't see why we would have to be the one to take all that salary on just for Afflalo. We are the team with the most valuable asset in the deal here in Monroe. Generally its the other team that has to take on salary to get the more valuable player, not the other way around. Sure Afflalo might be having a better season, but overall Monroe is way more valuable because of his age and position.

No need to include all those other contracts. Just do Monroe/Jerebko/Bynum for Afflalo.

Also, I didn't know you were talking about bringing Young off the bench. I thought you meant start him at SF. Off the bench, yeah I agree that could be a nice deal. Though I would try and get a starter first if we can.

[sfballa13]

Great point on Tay. I forgot about that.

Also great point on making whoever gets Monroe take Jerebko, Bynum, and Datome too. Even if we dont get a star for Monroe, if we get an upgrade on the perimeter who fits better with a guy like Affalo and some cap relief, allowing us to have max money to spend this summer, that will be a net positive in my opinion. Then we will still have money to go get that all-star perimeter guy in FA.

The thing about Young though is I don't think he solves any problems. He's kinda the same as Smith and not really a SF. Plus isn't really a 3pt shooter either. I feel like we would be trading Monroe for the same problem.

I agree that Young is similar to Monroe, but the difference is he is willing to do what it takes to win whereas Monroe has a bigger ego about him and wants to start. If we were to bring Stuckey - Singler - Young - Hawes off the bench that would be a very dominant 2nd unit.

If we are going to trade for Afflalo, I wouldnt be so concerned about trading salary to Orlando as I would be in taking back salary as an incentive in a trade

Big Baby, Jameer Nelson, AA, Harris
for
Monroe, KCP, Charlie V, Datome, Bynum

Thats around 20M of savings for Orlando and they get two top 10 draft picks (one being a franchise big to replace Dwight) all for Harris and vets (AA included)

I don't see why we would have to be the one to take all that salary on just for Afflalo. We are the team with the most valuable asset in the deal here in Monroe. Generally its the other team that has to take on salary to get the more valuable player, not the other way around. Sure Afflalo might be having a better season, but overall Monroe is way more valuable because of his age and position.

No need to include all those other contracts. Just do Monroe/Jerebko/Bynum for Afflalo.

Also, I didn't know you were talking about bringing Young off the bench. I thought you meant start him at SF. Off the bench, yeah I agree that could be a nice deal. Though I would try and get a starter first if we can.

The reason we are taking on salary is because for the same amount of salary it would take to resign Monroe who we have no use for, we are effectively gaining two starters Afflalo and Harris for basically 5M less than what we would pay just to resign Monroe.

Yes, I think Orlando makes the deal with just AA but if im sending Monroe out I want a SF in return that's why I included Harris and had KCP going back to Orlando with Jameer and Big Baby coming to Detroit.

If you look at that bench line up ---- Jameer - Stuckey - Singler - Big Baby - Harrelson --- that could be a starting line up in the East and would immensely help us in our first playoff series in 6 years. We dont just want to get there and flail out. Plus Jameer and Big Baby are both expiring contracts next year so it's not like we are stuck with them long term. However, Orlando can say hey we traded AA (who we got for Dwight) and Harris in return for saving money, getting a franchise center, and replacing AA with a top ten young draft pick in KCP. No way they include Harris unless we include KCP AND take back salary. It's not like we are taking back Amare or some injured loser. Jameer and Big Baby would be huge for us off the pine.

Jameer 14 pts, 7 assists, 4 rebounds in 34 Minutes this year
Big Baby 13 pts, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal in 32 minutes this year

Both are capable of putting big numbers in case Jennings / Smith / Drummond are struggling

To have that luxury on our roster is the difference between a first round sweep and a 2nd round birth

[Piston Pete]

I don't have a problem with them keeping him, provided cheeks staggers their minutes and goes with the hot hand,something he should have been doing from the beginning. It would be nice if Joe could use some of our other players in a trade for a 3&d guy tho.

If we forget about trading for a "premier perimeter scorer" and instead look for a 3 and D guy, CV's expiring might do the trick.

This type of move, however, would mean we are going all-in towards making the playoffs.

And the 3 and D guy would have to be someone with at least couple more years on his contract. Basically a decent player the other team would be willing to let go as a salary dump. Guys that fit that mold might include:

BOS - Jeff Green (don't want anything to do with Gerald Wallace)
WAS - Martell Webster
LAL - Wesley Johnson (and Steve Nash-filler)
MIL - Khris Middleton (plus filler)
ORL - Arron Afflalo
PHI - Evan Turner
SAC - Rudy Gay
CHA - MKG (No 3, but D -- ugh)

[Piston Pete]

^^ In hindsight, we traded Middleton to MIL, so we can't re-trade for him until next season.

[Navas]

It amazes me that people want to trade Monroe, but then I realize the closest to a good center younger people (I feel old saying this) have seen is an old Tim Duncan, Dwight Howard, and Pau Gasol and grew up with small ball.

Keep one thing in mind, bigs are a premium. Always have been. Only three players I would consider trading Monroe for and it's Paul George, LeBron, and Durant. Why trade a young big who puts up double doubles? For what? Average players? The options are meh. There's a reason Miami signed Chris Andersen and Greg Oden, they'd be happy to take Monroe. A lot of teams would be.

The one problem with this team though, is mentality.