Stan Van Gundy, via Vince Ellis of the Detroit Free Press:
"Q: If you threw him a maximum deal you could end it right there, right?A: I don’t know about that. I don’t even know if that’s true."
Would Monroe, who has earned $13,110,094 in his NBA career, really turn down a max contract that pays $14,746,000 in the first season?
I’m not convinced Monroe wants out of Detroit at all, let alone that badly.
There have been hints he might not be completely satisfied here – Van Gundy saying Monroe’s return must be mutual and the rumored demand of a Josh Smith trade – but I see those as mostly negotiating tactics. Monroe should seek a max contract (either through an offer sheet, a direct signing with Detroit or a sign-and-trade), and the Pistons should attempt to ink him for less.
But if the Pistons offered Monroe a max contract, I think he takes that.
I’d also guess Van Gundy believes so too.
Sometimes, coaches just say things to the media because they can just say things to the media. I think this is one of those cases.
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