Greg Monroe joins the Milwaukee Bucks (Photo : REUTERS)
Greg Monroe agreed to a three-year, $50 million maximum salary contract with the Milwaukee Bucks.
The deal carries player option in the third year that will allow him to become a free agent again in 2017 when the salary cap is expected to rise to more than $100 million.
The deal will average $16.6 million, which is the richest average salary in franchise history, surpassing Michael Redd's $15.2 million average in his six-year, $91 million deal in 2005.
Deals cannot be closed until the NBA's moratorium ends on July 9.
In choosing the Bucks, the 6-foot-11 Greg Monroe, spurned offers by the New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers and Portland Trail Blazers.
One of the top centers available in free agency, Monroe wanted to join a playoff-ready team with a talented young core, according to agent David Falk.
He never experienced reached the playoffs in five seasons with the Detroit Pistons.
Monroe was impressed with the Bucks' 26-game improvement under coach Jason Kidd last season after finishing with the league's worst 15-67 record the previous season.
Monroe averaged 14.3 points and 9.2 rebounds in five seasons with the Pistons.
Last season, he reached a double-double average of 15.9 points and 10.2 rebounds.
He also scored 11.4 per game in the painted area, which ranked fifth in the NBA.
Monroe will greatly fit in coach Jason Kidd's offense, which lacked inside scoring presence last season.
He will also complement a starting unit consisting of Jabari Parker and Giannis Antetokounmpo in the frontcourt and guards Khris Middleton and Michael Carter-Williams.
Observers noted that while Monroe may be wanting in defense, it can be compensated by the athleticism of the Bucks' young players.
He could also be paired with the team's top shot-blocking big man John Henson.
