Greg Monroe (Photo : Getty Images)
The Boston Celtics could be a possible destination for Greg Monroe, with the Milwaukee Bucks still looking to trade the 26-year-old center.
It is no secret the Celtics are still looking for another All-Star caliber player to boost their chances of competing for a title this season. Celtics general manager Danny Ainge has admitted he is open to exploring trades, but only for potential moves that won't sacrifice "future assets."
"If it's something that gets us to being a true championship contender faster, we're all for it," Ainge told CBS Local.
The Celtics have been linked to possible blockbuster trades for a handful of stars like Blake Griffin, DeMarcus Cousins, Jimmy Butler and Kevin Love, but such deals would surely require the Celtics to give up key players and future assets. If the Celtics are truly reluctant to offer too much on a quality player, one possible option they may consider is Greg Monroe, who could still be a target for Boston, according to reports from the Inquisitr.
Monroe's back-to-the-basket game and traditional approach at playing the center position suits him well playing for the Celtics and Brad Stevens. Even if paired with another offensive big man like Horford, Monroe's defense won't be too much of an issue as long as the Celtics could keep their core intact.
However, a cheap buy for Monroe, who has struggled to fit in Milwaukee since signing a three-year $50 million deal with the team last summer, would only be possible if the Bucks truly just wants to move on from Monroe, according to CBS Sports' Matt Moore.
"The Celtics always want that big-name player without having to actually give up anyone of consequence, and if the Bucks just want to move on, this isn't a bad option. Brad Stevens was able to make Kelly Olynyk into a plus defender last season, and Monroe is at least as talented as Olynyk," Moore wrote via Celtics Blog.
"He can play next to Al Horford, who covers up many of his deficiencies, even if rim protection would remain an issue, and the Celtics could land him without giving up "coveted" assets Avery Bradley, Marcus Smart or Jae Crowder (and if they only gave up one of those guards, it's still a good deal)."
Monroe, who averaged 15.3 points and 8.8 rebounds per game last season, may be an intriguing acquisition for the Celtics, but only for the right price. If Ainge could do some of his magic, adding Monroe to an already promising lineup would be a tremendous boost for the Celtics this season, giving them more solid chances to topple powerhouse teams.
