Let’s Trade Pistons Forward Greg Monroe

On Monday, Jesse Blancarte offered up a number of possible trade scenarios involving Nets point guard Deron Williams. Along with Williams, the Nets have made Brook Lopez and Joe Johnson available and seem ready to unload some their top talent after starting 10-14.

Today we take a look at another big name who may be on move, Detroit Pistons forward Greg Monroe. After spending this past summer as a restricted free agent, Monroe and the Pistons were unable come to terms on a long-term deal. Not landing the lucrative contract he had in mind, Monroe settled for the $5.5 million dollar qualifying offer from the Pistons. His acceptance of the qualifying earned Monroe a no-trade clause, giving him the power to veto any deal that isn’t to his liking. No matter where Monroe finishes the season he will once again be in line for a big payday, a factor that will weigh heavily for any team considering acquiring the young big man since he will lose his bird rights with any trade, meaning they re-sign him without going under the cap.

Even with the Pistons off to a dreadful start, reports surfaced this week that Monroe might not be ready to jump ship quite yet. He has denied rumors that he adamantly wants to be traded, so his departure might not be as imminent as some thought.

Earlier this week, Yannis Koutroupis took a look at what type of market is out there for Monroe. He explained that, despite Monroe’s talent, the Pistons may have a difficult time getting significant pieces in return considering the large contract that is on the horizon for Monroe. If you haven’t already, make sure to check out the full article as it offers great insight into what teams could be a possible fit for Monroe.

With that said, let’s take closer look at a few of those teams and what type deals they could make to add Monroe.

New York Knicks

Incoming Players: Greg Monroe

Outgoing Players: Iman Shumpert, Jason Smith, Cleanthony Early.

The Knicks made a number of changes this offseason with the hopes of fielding a competitive squad. They showed that they are confident that Carmelo Anthony can be the centerpiece of a winning organization, re-signing him to a five-year, $124.1 million contract. Not only did they retain their most productive player, they also brought in one of the NBA’s brightest basketball minds in Phil Jackson. Jackson took over as the President of Basketball Operations and is tasked with changing the culture in New York.

Even with Anthony back in the fold and under the guidance of a Jackson disciple in Derek Fisher, the Knicks have struggled mightily to start the season. Shockingly, they have actually lost just as many games as the undermanned Sixers. To be fair the Knicks have played and won three more games than the Sixers, but nonetheless that’s not something to be proud of.

On the bright side, the Knicks have quite a few players who are on the final season of their contracts, allowing the team to make changes to the roster in the offseason – most notably the albatross contract of Amar’e Stoudemire. The Knicks will have the financial flexibility to offer Greg Monroe the generous long-term deal that he desires. Monroe is a more than capable passer who would fit nicely in the Knicks’ triangle attack.

In this hypothetical deal, the Pistons would receive Iman Shumpert, rookie forward Cleanthony Early and veteran big man Jason Smith.  While the Pistons already have Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Jodie Meeks at the two-guard, Shumpert is versatile enough to play either wing spot and would give the team a terrific perimeter defender. Early is an intriguing young prospect, one the Pistons would be overjoyed to extract from the Knicks. He has battled injuries this season, which has limited his time on the court, but has shown promising flashes. Smith is a reliable big that would provide depth down low.

Atlanta Hawks

Incoming Players: Greg Monroe

Outgoing Players: DeMarre Carroll, Adreian Payne, Hawks 2015 Second Round Pick, Hawks 2017 Second Round pick.

The Hawks were one of a few teams that were rumored to be very interested in Monroe this past offseason. Like the Knicks, the Hawks will have cap flexibility following this season to make Monroe a long-term offer. The Hawks will almost certainly be in the Monroe sweepstakes next offseason if he hasn’t been locked into a deal by then. However, they could also make a play prior to the trade deadline this season.

The Hawks have gotten off to a terrific start and look to be right in the mix at the top of the East. Although they’re playing very well, there is still a talent gap between them and some of the elite teams around the league. If they want to make a serious run at a title this season, adding Monroe would go a long way to help their chances. Acquiring Monroe would not only benefit the Hawks this season but, assuming they would be able to re-sign him, also give them insurance if they were lose Paul Millsap in free agency this offseason.

It’s been reported that the Pistons were asking for Jeff Teague and Kyle Korver last summer when the two teams discussed a possible Monroe trade, a price that proved to be too steep for the Hawks at the time. It seems extremely unlikely that the Hawks would consider moving Teague or Korver prior to the trade deadline this year with how well the team is playing. In this scenario they would give up starting small forward DeMarre Carroll and rookie first-round pick Adreian Payne, a stretch four who could be an ideal fit long-term alongside franchise centerpiece Andre Drummond. The Hawks have other options at wing with Thabo Sefolosha and Kent Bazemore and they could look to those players to help fill the void at small forward. The addition of Monroe would give the Hawks a tremendous frontcourt and make them a real threat in the East.

Carroll made nice strides as player the past few seasons and is a more than capable starter who could help the Pistons immediately and in years to come. The trade would also have the Pistons receive the Hawks’ 2015 second-round pick and the Hawks’ 2017 second-round pick. In both 2015 and 2017 the Hawks have multiple second round picks, increasing the likelihood that they would be willing to move picks to land Monroe. From the Pistons’ perspective, the more draft picks the better. With as poorly as the Pistons’ current group has played together, Stan Van Gundy may need to completely overhaul their roster. If the Pistons do choose to tear it down and rebuild, every additional draft pick the Pistons can  land will be important.

Toronto Raptors

Incoming Players: Greg Monroe, Caron Butler

Outgoing Players: Amir Johnson, James Johnson, Raptors 2016 First Round Pick.

This deal would be similar the above Hawks deal, as it would really push the Raptors over the top and into the conversation as a legitimate title contender. They have already impressed by jumping out to 20-6 start and currently have best record in the East, even with star guard DeMar DeRozan missing time with an injury. The question for the Raptors, like the Hawks, is with their current group do they have enough win it all?

Monroe would settle right in to the spot vacated by Amir Johnson. He, along with Jonas Valanciunas, would give the Raptors two post players with different skill sets that could really complement each other. The combination of a physical big in Valancianus and skilled big in Monroe would allow the Raptors to take advantage of different match-ups. Butler would join the Raptors and give the team a veteran scorer off the bench who has plenty of experience in big games.

For the Pistons, they would get back one-time Piston Amir Johnson, James Johnson and the Raptors’ 2016 first round pick. Johnson is in the final year of his deal, but could offer the Pistons a more affordable option at the four spot going forward if they chose to re-sign him. Of course, Josh Smith will still be under contract, so his role will certainly factor into the equation. James Johnson would give Pistons a high-energy player on a cheap deal, who is having his most efficient season as a pro and shooting 57.5 percent from the field.  The Pistons would also get the Raptors’ 2016 first round pick. Although the Raptors would be giving their first round pick in 2016, they still would have a pick in that round, owning the rights to the less favorable of the Knicks’ and Nuggets’ 2016 first round picks. While at first glance this deal may appear to favor the Raptors, the value of additional first round picks can be massive, particularly for a young team like Detroit. Having multiple first round picks in a draft can really help accelerate the rebuilding process and is something that could pay huge dividends for the Pistons.

In all three deals the team receiving Monroe is going to insist on assurance from Monroe that he will re-sign with that team. Without a commitment from Monroe, it’s unlikely any team would be willing to part with significant assets, whether that be valuable draft picks or players, since they could lose him in free agency after the season.

These are just a few scenarios that the Pistons may explore as they consider their future with Monroe, but surely aren’t the only possibilities. As things stand, Monroe is denying reports that he wants out of the Detroit. However, if he isn’t willing to commit to long-term to the Pistons prior to the trade deadline, they will be faced unattractive likelihood of losing him for nothing this offseason.