The Cleveland Cavaliers may consider trading for Milwaukee Bucks center Greg Monroe, who has been at the center of trade rumors this offseason.
The Cavs have yet to add any significant free agency signings that could help the team in their campaign for a back-to-back title. While the team still has their core of stars intact, with LeBron James set to re-sign with the Cavs, it would behoove them to add a veteran who could help rival the Golden State Warriors' super-team.
One possible player the Cavs may ponder to add is Greg Monroe, one of the league's "most proven vets known to be available via trade," according to ESPN's Marc Stein.
Monroe has struggled to fit with the Bucks last season and was not the kind of piece the team has hoped him to be after signing the 26-year-old center to a three-year deal worth $50 million. But Bleacher Report's Nate Loop believes Monroe could still be a valuable addition for contending teams.
"He is a strong rebounder and does well with the ball in the low post. He may be better off contributing as a veteran on a contending team, rather than as the center of a young Bucks team looking to play a faster, more agile brand of basketball," Loop wrote.
The Cavs seem a contender who could be in need of Monroe's' services, especially with Kevin Love struggling the same way Monroe did last season. With limited cap flexibility this summer, the Cavs could only hope for a trade for an added talent.
It is still uncertain whether the Cavs would jump into the chance of acquiring Monroe, but if they do, Love would likely be the centerpiece of any trade deal.
Love would fit well playing alongside the Bucks' core of young talents. His outside shooting would help space the floor and would keep Milwaukee's inside scoring productive.
On the other hand, Monroe could replace Love as the third scoring option behind James and Kyrie Irving, and could create a fire and ice frontcourt tandem with Tristan Thompson. Monroe's defense should not be a concern as what the Cavs have managed to do with Love.
A straight swap involving Love and Monroe should work, according to ESPN's trade machine, although finding another team could also work for a potential deal involving the Bucks and Cavs.
The Cavs are still expected to compete at a high level, with James set to return and healthy and conditioned key players. Whether the Cavs view Monroe as a target remains to be seen, but he is a valuable addition the defending champs should consider in the wake of the Warriors' super squad.