The Detroit Pistons had some spacing issues on the court last season that caused some major headaches for everyone involved. Greg Monroe, Andre Drummond and Josh Smith failed to co-exist together and with Stan Van Gundy now the team's head coach, many expect that to change. Monroe is the easiest to move considering he is a restricted free agent with high value, but Van Gundy is not so sure that is the best option.
Van Gundy called a pairing of Drummond and Monroe ideal for his offensive plan. That did not pan out last year, but the head coach believes he can make it work. However, Detroit is rebuilding and trading Monroe could bring in some strong assets. Monroe has been all but gone since the trading period during the season. The Pistons got numerous offers on the center considering he is just 24 and averaging 15.2 points with 9.3 rebounds per game.
According to Jabari Davis of Basketball Insiders, the Los Angeles Lakers could be a serious contender for Monroe. The Lakers have 11 roster spots to fill and just $29 million in cap space to make it work. They are a franchise known for skilled big men and Monroe fits that description. The Lakers are likely losing Pau Gasol because they cannot afford him. They might try and trade for Carlos Boozer, but they lack the assets to make a deal work. Monroe would be the best option around.
Outside of the Lakers, the Washington Wizards look to inquire about Monroe. After making a strong run in the Eastern Conference, the Wizards are at risk of losing two of their top stars. Center Marcin Gortat and Trevor Ariza are free agents this offseason and could be in for a big pay day. If Gortat leaves, the Wizards will chase a deal for Monroe according to Parker. Gortat played a major role in the Wizards success and the team believes Monroe could do the same.
The last team Parker mentions being interested in a deal for Monroe would be the Cleveland Cavaliers. The team first must decide what direction they are headed in with the NBA Draft. They could take a rookie like Joel Embiid or they could go another direction with someone like Andrew Wiggins. With Spencer Hawes departing in free agency, there could be a need for Monroe.
There are really no shortage of teams that would be interested in making a move for Monroe. He is young enough to build around and skilled enough to make an immediate impact. Monroe is entering the prime of his career and plenty of teams want to take advantage of it.
