Milwaukee Bucks center Greg Monroe (#15) scored inside the paint against the Golden State Warriors. (Photo : Getty Images)
The NBA trade rumors continue as teams that may get shunned at free agency look to fill their needs through trades.
The Boston Celtics were projected as the team to make a splash at the 2016 NBA Draft but they ended up empty-handed in terms of landing a superstar.
The Atlanta Hawks are a team on the verge of losing their starting center who has kept them in contention for nine years in Al Horford.
Both the Hawks and Celtics are vying for Horford's services but the reality is that one or both of them may strike out and seek out alternatives via trade.
According to recent reports, the Milwaukee Bucks are shopping Greg Monroe, their prized free agent acquisition last year.
The Boston Celtics was named as a possible destination. They have been in the hunt for a true center and have been linked to DeMarcus Cousins trade rumors for years now. Today's Fast Break believes Monroe could fill in the middle for them as they need dependable inside offense.
"Offensively, Monroe's ability to get busy on the low block would be welcomed; as creative as Brad Stevens is as a play-caller, Boston ranked in the bottom third of the league in halfcourt scoring," Nekias Duncan of TFB wrote.
While there are concerns about Monroe's defense, Duncan believes coach Brad Stevens could find a way for the Celtics to cover for him.
Speaking of covering Monroe's defensive shortcomings, Hoops Habit mentioned that the Atlanta Hawks are equipped to do that.
"When looking for a landing spot for Greg Monroe, one of the key things you look for is a strong defensive power forward to help cover up for his weaknesses," Justin Rowan of HH said. "There is no denying that Paul Millsap fits that description and with other strong defensive players around him, the Atlanta Hawks look like a decent fit for Monroe should Al Horford leave in free agency."
As opposed to the Bucks who were looking for an interior defender when they took Monroe (and realized he was the wrong guy), the Hawks are second overall in defensive efficiency. Monroe could hurt that, but not by much. The offensive payoff would still be worth it.
Monroe is a good center with the right system. He can score, rebound and pass off the post. The Hawks and the Celtics can maximize his skills and cover his weakness.
