I always felt that if the Pistons resigned Monroe, that Smith would be gone.
I would have agreed with you (and I do agree with you about wanting to get JSmith here) about the Pistons not keeping both, IF the Pistons had paid him market value and not the QO.
If they had done that they would have had north of $26 mil tied up in one position. Now it's only $18 or so mil and with Drummond still on a rookie deal. If Van Gundy plays Smith at the PF spot only, that's a pretty strong 4,5 rotation of Drummond/Monroe/Smith.
I think Rondo/Stevens/Ainge can control Smith and make him more disciplined. With Smith here, the commitment will be to the present and Rondo will be more likely to stay.
I think getting Smith is less likely now, though, with Monroe only getting the QO.