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Pistons officially announce Monroe deal

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. -- Greg Monroe says he is looking forward to playing for Stan Van Gundy after signing a qualifying offer to stay with the Detroit Pistons.

Van Gundy took over as Detroit's coach and team president this offseason, and the Pistons were unable to sign Monroe to a long-term contract. They officially announced Monday that the restricted free agent had signed the team's $5.48 million, one-year qualifying offer.

Monroe says: "I look forward to playing for coach Van Gundy and his staff. He has a proven track record and I'm excited about working with my teammates to get better and prepare for the season."

By signing the qualifying offer, Monroe sets himself up to become an unrestricted free agent after this season. Van Gundy says he respects Monroe's decision.