Greg Monroe Available; Cavs Trade Option?

The Detroit Pistons are likely to put center Greg Monroe on the trade block says Larry Coon of Basketball Insiders:

"I also expect Monroe to be available. When a restricted free agent accepts his qualifying offer, he’s taking less money and accepting less security (a one-year deal) in exchange for becoming an unrestricted free agent the following season. Players don’t do that because they want to stick around — they do it because they want to get paid, on their own terms. So I’m sure Detroit will put him on the block."

The Pistons have investments in Josh Smith and Andre Drummond up front and Monroe having a contract for only this year. Stan Van Gundy has been brought in to oversee the team as well as coach them. Last year’s experiment of playing Smith at small forward, with Monroe and Drummond in the post, was a failure. Van Gundy likely doesn’t plan to repeat that problem again this year.

Moving Monroe, earlier rather than later, could be a way to solve the issues while also obtaining assets for the future to build a team that has struggled for the past few seasons.

Monroe put up 15 points per game to go along with 9 rebounds and 2 assists with the dysfunctional team last season. He shot a solid 50% from the field, although he only shot 66% from the free throw line.

The Cleveland Cavaliers have been said to be on the look out for another big man, preferably a center, to balance out the roster. With Monroe available the Cavs will likely have to take a look at acquiring him. Monroe doesn’t fit the Cavs need for a shot blocker and brute force big man but is a skilled offensive player that could create a dominate starting five.

The Cavaliers have an exception from their Keith Bogans trade that a trade for Monroe could slide simply into. The Cavs only have a few assets that the Pistons would have interest in. The protected Memphis Grizzlies pick could be enough to get the deal done but Monroe’s talent could create a fight to acquire his services. Monroe would have to approve a trade which would also involve giving up his Bird Rights. That would make it difficult for him to get a big contract next season, even from the Cavs.

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The Cavs could also look to acquire Monroe next off-season in a sign and trade deal. With Brendan Haywood‘s big non-guaranteed contract, the Grizz pick and other assets could get the Cavs their long term starting center and Monroe a big contract he would be seeking.

While Monroe is a talented player, for the Cavs to give up their big trade asset, the Grizzlies pick, they must know he is the player that can put them over the top. Players like Roy Hibbert, Larry Sanders and others could also be available via trade through the next off-season. Monroe’s lack of rim protection and defensive skill does not make him the perfect fit so making a trade for him this season is a difficult risk to take.

The Cavs also have to wonder if they should keep the picks that they currently have to try to build a youthful foundation to go with their star players. While the Grizzlies pick could be valuable via trade the Cavs could also use it to bring in a young player to develop with LeBron James, Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving.

Do you think the Cavs should acquire Monroe? If so, now or in the off-season?