Greg Monroe is one of the top players in free agency this summer and teams like the Houston Rockets, NY Knicks, Milwaukee Bucks, Portland Trail Blazers and LA Lakers could be interested in signing the free agent and this comes as Monroe's return to the Detroit Pistons is looking unlikely at this time and he could sign after players like DeAndre Jordan and LaMarcus Aldridge.
Monroe has been considered one of the main targets for the Knicks since the offseason started and he has already met with the team. According to Marc Stein at ESPN.com, Monroe had meetings with the Knicks and Milwaukee Bucks this summer and he has meetings lined up with the Blazers and the Houston Rockets. Aldridge and Jordan are targets for the Lakers, Knicks, Dallas Mavericks and Bucks and once those players sign, Monroe could be the next domino to fall.
Stein reported that the Knicks and Bucks met with Monroe and his agent David Falk, while the Blazers and Lakers are "in line" to meet with Monroe. The Blazers are expected to lose LaMarcus Aldridge and they just signed Damian Lillard to a major extension and now could look at replacing Aldridge with Monroe. The Knicks have connections to Falk and Frank Isola at the Daily News reported during the offseason that the relationship could be a factor in Phil Jackson getting Monroe.
UPDATE: Greg Monroe has agreed to a deal with the Bucks. Deal is for $50 million max over three years. Check here for more free agent news.
The Knicks reportedly are the "favorites" to land Monroe and Arron Afflalo and that would be a solid haul for Phil Jackson to give Carmelo Anthony some support. The team can only do so much with the money they have and with the players available and that could leave Monroe as the best option. Aldridge and Jordan may meet with the Knicks and listen to offers, but right now Chris Broussard, Marc Stein and others in NBA media circles do not see them signing in New York. Danny Green is also off the market and that could push the Knicks towards Afflalo and Monroe.
Monroe was a restricted free agent last summer and opted to sign a one year deal over a long term extension with the Pistons. Monroe bet on himself and he stayed healthy while putting up 15 points and a career best 10.2 rebounds per game this season. Monroe nearly averaged a double-double in each of the last three seasons, coming in at just under 10 rebounds per game and he should be a strong target for teams like the Lakers and the Knicks.
Aldridge looks like he may be set for San Antonio after the Spurs signed Danny Green and made a trade for cap space, while Jordan appears likely to sign with the Mavs or Clippers. Monroe could be left to sign with the Lakers, Knicks or Blazers, especially if Aldridge leaves Portland, which is expected. According to Adrian Wojnarowski at Yahoo, Monroe is meeting with the Blazers on Wednesday and it comes as the team is also looking to keep Wesley Matthews this offseason. Monroe has s solid offensive game and he could be the main piece for the Knicks this offseason if they miss out on Jordan or Aldridge.