Greg Monroe (Photo : Getty Images)
The Miami Heat could be the perfect destination for Greg Monroe, who remains a likely trade candidate for the Milwaukee Bucks before the deadline.
Monroe's minutes continue dwindle after losing his starting job with the Bucks this season, which according to ESPN's Marc Stein, could mean that the 26-year-old center is still on the trading block after being linked to such speculations in the past few months.
"The Bucks have explored the possibility of trading Monroe since last season's deadline in February, which illustrates how hard it can be, but the limited role he has in Brewtown these days is akin to screaming that the 26-year-old is available," Stein wrote.
Monroe is averaging career-low in minutes, only playing 18.1 minutes per game this season. But given ample playing time, Monroe can no doubt contribute on the offensive end. It would be difficult for the Bucks to find Monroe a new team, but the Miami Heat could be an intriguing destination for the Georgetown product.
The departures of Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade have hurt the Heat on the offensive end. The Heat are 26th in the league in offensive rating, and while they are shooting 46.9 percent inside the paint, Miami is clearly in need of someone who could fill the void left by Bosh and Wade.
Monroe would instantly provide the Heat an inside scorer, creating a fire and ice frontcourt tandem with Hassan Whiteside. With Whiteside anchoring the defense, Monroe's one-way game would not be much of a factor for the Heat, maximizing the Bucks center's offensive prowess.
However, it would be risky for the Heat to gamble on Monroe, who could explore free agency next summer. But Heat president Pat Riley has insisted he plans on getting another pick in next year's draft, which could give way on a potential Goran Dragic for Monroe swap if the Bucks are willing to include a future draft pick.
The Heat are not expected to contend this season, with the team dwelling at the bottom half of the standings. On the other hand, acquiring Monroe won't probably change that Heat's fortune that much, but his skills would do well in Miami's long-term plans.
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