Milwaukee Bucks' power forward and center Greg Monroe is a huge part of the NBA trade rumors recently. He is reportedly being courted by the San Antonio Spurs and the New York Knicks as the latest addition to both teams' front lines.
New York Knicks Upgrading Its Line-Up With Greg Monroe?
The Knicks has established a good off-season thanks in part to the addition of Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah, who are both from Chicago Bulls. Naturally, the Knicks might be on the lookout for a stronger roster, and Monroe would be an excellent upgrade to the team's front line, the Morning Ledger reported.
Though Knicks is eyeing Monroe, there are reports that the team is not rushing to acquire him. According to Amico Hoops, the Knicks might require a "third team" to accomplish a trade and they might wait until December before finalizing a deal involving Monroe. If the Knicks is indeed targeting Monroe, chances are he will be Noah's backup on-court.
Greg Monroe As Tim Duncan's Replacement?
It's not just the Knicks eyeing Monroe. Now that Tim Duncan has left the Spurs for retirement, there are speculations that Monroe will be the one replacing him if the team successfully signs him on. The Spurs have already acquired Pau Gasol and Dewayne Dedmon, but they might think that the center position would still benefit with Monroe in it, according to Amico Hoops.
Duncan and Boris Diaw's (now at Utah Jazz) departures have left the Spurs lacking frontcourt power. ESPN's Trade Machine speculated that the Spurs and Bucks could carry out a trade involving Patty Mills and Danny Green in exchange for Monroe, but it seems unlikely for the Spurs to ditch two of its players to acquire one. It's also unlikely for the Spurs to let go point guard Tony Parker for Monroe in the trade.
Monroe has what it takes to replace Duncan, though, as evident in his average of 15.3 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per 29.3 minutes of play for the Bucks last season, Basketball Reference noted. Monroe would perfectly complement the talents of Gasol, LaMarcus Aldrige, Parker, Manu Ginobili, and Kawhi Leonard in the Spurs, Yibada noted.
Monroe's talents in offense play trump his less-than-stellar defense. However, the 6-foot-11 player's defense will likely improve under Spurs coach Greg Popovich's tutelage.
Monroe's three-year contract with the Bucks last year was worth $50 million. According to isportsweb, Monroe's style of play didn't go well with the Bucks' lineup, so they would benefit more from a trade despite the player's good stats this year.
