Monroe accepts qualifying offer

Sources: Greg Monroe signs Pistons' qualifying offer, will be unrestricted free agent in 2015

Detroit Pistons forward Greg Monroe has signed a $5.5 million qualifying offer, clearing the way for him to leave the franchise next summer, league sources told Yahoo Sports.

Monroe had been a restricted agent this summer and couldn't come to terms on a contract extension with the Pistons – nor could the team find a suitable sign-and-trade scenario for him.

For Monroe, this is a bold step that few have taken before him. It brings with it significant financial risk if he suffers a serious injury this season and loses market value. Nevertheless, Monroe has wanted out of Detroit, where he was drafted in 2010, and he'll get his wish next summer.

Welp, he's gone next year, unless his play convinces Detroit he's worth his asking price, and he can look past the fact they weren't willing to give him that payday the first time around.

I don't know whether it was the Pistons that weren't willing to give him max or whether it was Monroe just doing whatever he had to do to get out of Detroit on his terms.

I can't tell you. Monroe showed that he can be a good contributor in this league. Still I'm not convinced he's a max contract player. His development over the last two years wasn't breathtaking, so it's quite possible he is already close to his ceiling.
Much will depend on how Monroe will play under SVG, who might be able to utilize his frontcourt heavy roster better as his predecessor did.
But it's also possible he'll get shipped around ASG.