The Milwaukee Bucks put Greg Monroe on the trading block, but according to the latest report via Bleacher Report’s Howard Beck, teams just aren’t interested in him. As someone who has real appreciation for what Monroe can do (run the floor, get you 16 & 10 with legitimate feel and passing ability) I can’t imagine why Jason Kidd wouldn’t want to stick with him with this Bucks group. I’m not sure what kind of return Milwaukee is looking for in a potential deal, but these are five teams that I think should be looking into making a trade for Greg Monroe.
Charlotte Hornets
An obvious fit since the Hornets lost Al Jefferson in free agency, Monroe would be a viable replacement to fill the void as an inside scoring option. After also losing Jeremy Lin and Courtney Lee, Charlotte is is need of more talent. Monroe could work nicely as the primary big to supplant Kemba Walker and Nic Batum.
Bucks get: Jeremy Lamb, Frank Kaminsky, Cody Zeller
Hornets get: Greg Monroe
Washington Wizards
The Wizards have nothing to lose in dealing for Monroe and have serious reason to consider it. Even with a fully healthy Bradley Beal they’re still not talented enough across the board to be taken seriously. Monroe wouldn’t completely change that narrative but he would be an upgrade over what Washington has worked with in their front court as of late. The Wizards don’t really have any trade assets outside of Marcin Gortat, so a third team would probably need to be involved.
Bucks get: Marcin Gortat, Jordan Adams, Vince Carter
Grizzlies get: Otto Porter
Wizards get: Greg Monroe
Toronto Raptors
I think the Raptors have grown fond of Jonas Valanciunas, but if the Bucks were willing to do a Jonas-for-Monroe swap, I’d go for it. Monroe is quicker and brings more passing and playmaking to the table, giving the Raptors a much needed creator outside of their backcourt. I think there would be a good fit for Jonas in Milwaukee, too.
Houston Rockets
This is my wild card thought because the Rockets would bode much better with Mike D’Antoni’s system with a skilled big like Monroe. Houston has already become more talented by adding Eric Gordon and Ryan Anderson, but dealing for Monroe would round out their weapons and really turn them into something to watch for. I’m not sure if the Rockets have anyone the Bucks would want in particular, but it would be worth the effort.
Bucks get: Patrick Beverley, Trevor Ariza, Clint Capela
Rockets get: Greg Monroe
Portland Trail Blazers
Even though Portland signed their extra front liner in Festus Ezeli in free agency, it would be nice to have a more polished option in Monroe as their primary big. Yet another scenario where I don’t think Portland has much to offer in player assets that Milwaukee would jump at, but a few serviceable rotation players in exchange for Monroe might just be worth it.
Bucks get: Al-Farouq Aminu, Shabazz Napier, Pat Connaughton, Mason Plumlee, Noah Vonleh
Trail Blazers get: Greg Monroe
The common theme with these suggested deals, for Milwaukee, is a return of several role players in exchange for Monroe. If that’s what they’re looking for, there should be several options out there, but on the other end, I’m waiting to see which teams will wise up and take a shot at trading for Monroe.
