Forward Greg Monroe is going to stay with the Detroit Pistons after signing a $5.5 million qualifying offer and will be an unrestricted free agent in 2015 says league sources.

Monroe was a restricted free this offseason and could not come up with an agreement for a contract extension with the Pistons. On the other hand, the team was not able to find a good sign-and-trade deal for him.

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The Pistons will lose the advantage of matching other team's offer for Monroe when he becomes a restricted free agent.

The 24-year-old player considers this step as a risky one. He is aware that incurring a critical injury next season will drop his market value. Detroit now focuses on a steady frontcourt with Monroe and Josh Smith. Monroe proved his durability in his first four seasons in the league. However, accidents can happen unexpectedly.

On the other hand, Monroe wished to be out of the team that drafted him with the 7^th overall pick in 2010.

Stan Van Gundy, Pistons president and head coach, had been reluctant to give Monroe a lucrative paycheck. Also, several sign-and-trade opportunities, including the possible transaction with Portland, did not come into fruition.

With team having a new coach, there is also a tendency that his numbers will also be affected especially if the big man is not used that much on the new system.

Aside from Monroe, Eric Bledsoe is on the same page for the Phoenix Suns. With Bledsoe still not having a deal, he can be expected to sign the same offer next season. What makes Monroe's situation different is that Bledsoe already suffered major injuries which may affect his value in the free agent market.

During the 2013-2014 season, Monroe averaged a total of 15.2 points and 9.3 rebounds. The 6 foot 11 forward is considered as one of the team's consistent scorer with a career average of 51% shooting from the field.

Tagsdetroit pistons, greg monroe, unrestricted free agency