The Detroit Pistons are expected undergo major reshaping this offseason after the team named Stan Van Gundy as new coach and president of basketball operations.
With Van Gundy having full control of the team, Sporting News reported that Greg Monroe could be on his way out of the Pistons this summer.
Monroe, who posted 15.2 points and 9.3 rebounds for the Pistons this season, will be a restricted free agent this offseason, giving Detroit the right to match any offer to the 23-year-old power forward.
Sources indicated that Monroe's future with the Pistons was already uncertain even before the Pistons' season ended, and Van Gundy's hiring increased the chances of Monroe leaving the Pistons this offseason.
According to reports, Van Gundy, who signed a five-year deal worth $35 million on Tuesday, will let Monroe go - either via a sign-and-trade deal or via free agency.
"There was a growing consensus around the league that whomever was tabbed to replace Joe Dumars in the front office would be willing to let restricted free agent Greg Monroe go," Sporting News reported. "Now, with Van Gundy in place on an eyebrow-raising contract-five years, $35 million-there is near certainty among league executives that Monroe has played his last game for Detroit."
Van Gundy is reportedly planning to build the team around Andre Drummond similar to what he did during his stint with the Orlando Magic when he surrounded then-Magic center Dwight Howard with shooters.
Van Gundy is expected to shop Monroe around for players who can space the floor for Drummond, but it remains to be seen whether or not the Pistons will find a team willing to strike a sign-and-trade deal.
The situation will be more complicated for the Pistons if a team offers a lucrative deal to Monroe with sources saying that the Los Angeles Lakers and the Charlotte Hornets are willing to spend for the four-year veteran.
The Hornets will reportedly try to lure Monroe in hopes of forming a potent frontline duo with Al Jefferson, while the Lakers are expected to make a strong push to sign the former Georgetown standout.
"A max offer from the Lakers or Bobcats could be trouble for the Pistons, because it forces a stark choice: pay Monroe the max or lose him without return," Sporting News noted.
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