Greg Monroe to sign Pistons' offer, delays free agency

Forward-center Greg Monroe has informed the Detroit Pistons' he will accept the qualifying offer, play for Detroit in 2014-15 and become an unrestricted free agent next summer, two people familiar with Monroe's plan told USA TODAY Sports.

The people requested anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly about Monroe's decision.

Monroe, 24, was a restricted free agent this summer but decided not to sign an offer sheet with another team or sign a multiyear extension with the Pistons.

He instead will be one of the most highly sought-after free agents next offseason.

Monroe's qualifying offer is for $5.479 million in 2014-15 and cannot be traded without his consent once he signs. He's expected to sign it before the Oct. 1 deadline.

The No. 7 pick in the 2010 NBA Draft, Monroe took an uncommon route, forsaking money and a long-term deal now for a money and long-term deal a year from now.

Monroe averaged 15.2 points and 9.3 rebounds a game last season but didn't mesh with newcomer Josh Smith. The Pistons went 29-53.

Guard Ben Gordon accepted the Bulls qualifying offer in 2008, making him an unrestricted free agent the following summer. He signed a five-year, $58 million with Detroit in 2009.

Guard Raymond Felton accepted Charlotte's qualifying offer in 2009 and then signed a two-year, $15.8 million deal with the New York Knicks in 2010.

New Orleans Pelicans guard Eric Gordon suggested he would sign a qualifying offer in 2012. Instead, he signed an offer sheet from the Phoenix Suns, and New Orleans matched it.

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