NardDogNation wrote:mreinman wrote:NardDogNation wrote:I think we could trade Jason Smith and filler for Greg Monroe and that'd work. No one is giving up anything of value for a guy they could sign outright in a few months. And rather than lose him for nothing, I see the Pistons acquiescing and taking what they can get. Jason Smith is a really solid player (one I'd prefer to keep) that would strengthen their big man depth off the bench AND add some veteran knowhow to an otherwise young roster. His addition falls in line with the culture of acquisitions Stan Van Gundy has made (e.g. Caron Butler, DJ Augustin, Jodie Meeks and Aaron Grey). It'd be the exact same trade the Sixers made when they dumped Evan Turner and Spencer Hawes for nothing, just before last year's deadline.
Monroe has MUCH more value than that
Trades aren't about value and talent. They are about what you can leverage. It's how Denver could get Aaron Afflalo for cents on the dollar and why the Sixers couldn't get anything for Spencer Hawes and Evan Turner. Because Greg Monroe is a looming UNRESTRICTED free agent, the Pistons lack any kind of leveraging power, especially since it is no secret that Monroe isn't thrilled with the idea of staying in Detriot. I suspect he gets moved before the deadline and I wouldn't be surprised if it was to us.
Since he accepted a qualifying offer, Monroe can veto any trade so presumably he will allow a trade to a team he theoretically wants to resign with. However, the team who acquires him, per the CBA, LOSES his Bird rights. Maybe Im not understanding something here, but isn't it greatly advantageous for both parties in a deal for the team who is signing the free agent to own the Bird rights? Wouldn't Monroe stand to lose money and/or potential years on the deal if the team who trades for him doesn't own his Bird rights?
