NBA Trade Rumors: Phoenix Suns will try to trade Greg Monroe

BOSTON, MA - MARCH 29: Al Horford #42 of the Boston Celtics defends Greg Monroe #15 of the Milwaukee Bucks during the second quarter at TD Garden on March 29, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - MARCH 29: Al Horford #42 of the Boston Celtics defends Greg Monroe #15 of the Milwaukee Bucks during the second quarter at TD Garden on March 29, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

NBA Trade Rumors: Phoenix Suns will try to trade Greg Monroe before entertaining a buyout

The Phoenix Suns traded Eric Bledsoe to the Milwaukee Bucks Tuesday morning, but they don’t appear to be done shuffling with their roster.

After acquiring Greg Monroe, a first-round pick and a couple second-round picks in exchange for Bledsoe, it appears that the Suns will try to flip Monroe. The 27-year-old forward is on the final year of a three-year contract that he signed in 2015.

Phoenix believes there’s a trade market for Monroe, and they hope to exploit it before even thinking about potentially buying out the big man.

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"[via ESPN]The Phoenix Suns prefer to explore the trade market on the expiring contract of Greg Monroe before proceeding on contract-buyout talks, league sources told ESPN.The Suns acquired the veteran big man as part of a trade package for guard Eric Bledsoe with the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday and decidedly value Monroe’s $17.8 million contract as a trade asset on the market."

Monroe clearly doesn’t fit into what Phoenix wants to do on the court, or in their long-term plans. The Suns want to play a fast-paced up and down game, and Monroe doesn’t exactly fit into that schematically.

On the other hand, Monroe would also like to join a contender in order to potentially raise his stock before hitting the open market again.

Monroe is averaging a career-low seven points and five rebounds this season. However, the Georgetown product averaged double-digit scoring and close to eight rebounds per game in his previous six – his rookie season being the lone exception.

There’s no question that Monroe has talent; that’s never been questioned. Although, it’s difficult for a big with his game to be a difference maker in today’s game. The new era of big men are defending on the perimeter and hitting 3’s.

Food for thought: Greg Monroe has never attempted a 3-point shot in his NBA career. Zero. Zip. In the NBA’s changing game, that’s almost unheard of. Heck, even Hassan Whiteside has somewhat added a 3-point shot to his game.

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This is the problem that faces Greg Monroe and any team out there that is interested in making a move for the big man. With that said, expect there to be a market for Monroe. He’s probably better than most first bigs off any bench – assuming he remains in that role – and could help a team with his low-post scoring prowess.