Report: Suns Considering Greg Monroe

[AsUdUdE]

In a tweet by NBC Sports' Jordan Schultz, the Phoenix Suns are reportedly interested in potentially signing the Georgetown product to an offer sheet..

He mentions that the Suns could sign him to a max or near max offer and still resign Bledsoe, sacrificing the financial flexibility in the future, but shoring up a front line that could rival western opponents

With the growing rift between Monroe and Pistons management, there is a realistic scenario where a max offer is not matched, or a sign-and-trade is reached between the two teams..

Whatever the case, things are starting to heat up in Phoenix.

https://twitter.com/Schultz_Report

 

[AzStevenCal]

I think he's a risk. But if we can get him on a deal around what we're offering Eric, it's a risk I'd take. We are so weak at center, this just makes sense. At 12 or 13 per he should remain tradeable throughout his contract so if we can't shore up his defense, we'll likely have options to move him. But I'd pass on a sign and trade unless they'd take something like Goodwin and the Minnesota pick and I doubt they'd be that obliging.

Steve

 

[Suns_fan69]

So, assuming the same contract length and dollar amount (i believe Bledsoe can get an extra year at a slightly higher pay) would you guys rather have Monroe at the max or Bledsoe at the max?

 

[elindholm]

If the Suns are serious about him, they can't pull their punches. Any "bargain" contract will be matched, because the Pistons would know that they could always trade him for value later on. Trying to steal another team's RFA means taking on the risk of overpaying for him. Go max or go home.

 

[elindholm]

So, assuming the same contract length and dollar amount (i believe Bledsoe can get an extra year at a slightly higher pay) would you guys rather have Monroe at the max or Bledsoe at the max?

Monroe, but only because he fills a position of greater need. If I were building a team from scratch, I'd probably go Bledsoe.

 

[AsUdUdE]

To me if we do go after Monroe we would also keep Bledsoe, I don't think it is an either/or thing

Because we have flexibility this season to go after both.. once we sign Bledsoe, we will lose a lot of our wiggle room…

I completely agree if we don't go down the sign-and-trade route it is going to have to be a maximum deal to get the Pistons to flinch…

But, there has been a growing divide between Monroe and management, not sure where they stand, but maybe the Suns know more..

I think this rumor actually has legs

 

[AzStevenCal]

So, assuming the same contract length and dollar amount (i believe Bledsoe can get an extra year at a slightly higher pay) would you guys rather have Monroe at the max or Bledsoe at the max?

I don't really want to pay either the max but comparing value when each is on the court, Eric is a much better player. I'd let the medical staff ring in on the overriding concern on Bledsoe - can we expect him to stay relatively healthy. If his injuries increases the likelihood he'll be out for significant portions of his contract, I'd probably lean towards Monroe.

Steve

 

[AsUdUdE]

Another sign that this could have legs, this is not the first time Monroe has been mentioned in a sign-and-trade this offseason

According to Andrew Melnick of Fansided, Portland was in discussions to acquire Detroits restricted big man, before they signed Kamen and consequently took themselves out of the running.

http://fansided.com/2014/07/17/greg...d-trail-blazers-tried-acquire-monroe/#!biLW65

I think the key here, is Portland walked away, not Detroit…

All signs point to the inability of Monroe to play with Josh Smith, and if Detroit can not figure out a way to unload Smith's albatross of a contract to Sacramento, The Pistons are in a very tough spot…

Enter Phoenix, I think you sign him because you believe he can play with Len/Plumlee/Morris in a rotation of the 4/5, defensively he is not great, but imo, he is well worth the risk

 

[devilalum]

Wonder what the sign and trade would look like? Some of the deals that season have been pretty substantial. Much rather pay big money for a durable big than a fragile guard.

 

[AsUdUdE]

Also, another thing to consider…

The latest CBA, includes a provision that players who sign the qualifying offer, CAN'T be traded that season unless they agree to it…

So if Monroe is threatening to sign the qualifying offer, detroit will run the HUGE risk of seeing him leave the Pistons next year for nothing

 

[Mainstreet]

If the Suns are serious about him, they can't pull their punches. Any "bargain" contract will be matched, because the Pistons would know that they could always trade him for value later on. Trying to steal another team's RFA means taking on the risk of overpaying for him. Go max or go home.

I think the Suns have let it be known they are more willing to go after a sign and trade rather than try to snatch a player from another team with a big salary offer. The Suns did a sign and trade with Isiah Thomas when they could have tried to play hard ball. Although it is too early to tell, I think McDonough likes the sign and trade route where both teams benefit. My thinking is he is trying to build credibility around the league. If the Suns go after Monroe, I'm betting it is a sign and trade.

 

[AsUdUdE]

Wonder what the sign and trade would look like? Some of the deals that season have been pretty substantial. Much rather pay big money for a durable big than a fragile guard.

If you look at what Van Gundy did in Orlando, he had his big man down low (Howard) and surrounded him with shooters

In Detroit he has his big man down low (Drummond) and Detroit so far has sign shooters (Meeks, Butler, Augustine)

So I would assume any deal with them would be something along the lines of Gerald Green and 2 first round picks might do it...

 

[sunsfan88]

SF88 wrote:
I like Monroe and would be very excited if we signed him. He may not fit the "run, run, run" system but he's a baller and with guys like him, you sign him and then alter your system to fit him and everyone else.

He gives us the best low post scorer we have had in forever.

He's awful defensively and can't shoot at all but I still think his pros, including his incredible durability, outweighs his cons.

 

[AsUdUdE]

I think this entire situation hinges on whether Sacramento and Detroit can get a deal done…

It would be shocking if Detroit trades both of them

And I think the timing on it is curious.. over the past 48 hours the chatter about Detroit/Sacramento got loud, but now, things seem to have quieted down, and consequently the Suns interest has emerged..

If that deal fell through, it would make complete sense of why Detroit would be a willing partner with the Suns, and why the Suns could get a deal done..

I think the price is going to be a little steep, but athletic big men like Monroe do not come around often, and the chance to get him AND sign Bledsoe seems like a win/win

 

[overseascardfan]

I think everything depends on DET being able to trade Josh Smith. Rumor has it SAC is interested but have backed off a little. I think Monroe would be a good idea as if necessary PHX could deal Plumlee if he regresses and start Monroe at C where they say he is a better fit. PHX could sign him (would be interesting to see what PHX would offer) and Bledsoe this year and re-sign Dragic next year no problem, just takes up what cap space they have but the question is who would PHX go after next year which is considered a weak FA market aside from Love but he probably will go to CLE to play with Lebron. A healthy, 82 game playing Bledsoe and Dragic with a legit starting PF/C like Monroe and PHX could make a deep run in the playoffs. I would be for using the cap on Monroe/Bledsoe/Dragic and hope you can have SA type success with mid to late 1st round picks and cash in on the MIN/LA picks.

 

[devilalum]

I would be for using the cap on Monroe/Bledsoe/Dragic and hope you can have SA type success with mid to late 1st round picks and cash in on the MIN/LA picks.

Its gonna have to be something like this. All the other possibilities have dried up.

 

[AsUdUdE]

Its gonna have to be something like this. All the other possibilities have dried up.

That's a great point.. and if you think about it, depending on what assets we have to give up, a core of Bledsoe/Dragic/Monroe and complementary players like Thomas/Warren/Plumlee/Ennis/Len/Goodwin, with some potentially high draft picks in the wings is a SOLID core and one that could grow into being a legitimate contender for years to come…

 

[StreetTruckinTitan]

Id prefer Monroe over Bledsoe. The Suns dont need to pay max money to another PG with a bad wheel and micro-fracture surgery in his future. I would prefer paying Goran what he's worth and having Thomas as a backup. Besides, competent & mobile 6.11 bigs dont grow on trees.

 

[JCSunsfan]

Id prefer Monroe over Bledsoe. The Suns dont need to pay max money to another PG with a bad wheel and micro-fracture surgery in his future. I would prefer paying Goran what he's worth and having Thomas as a backup. Besides, competent & mobile 6.11 bigs dont grow on trees.

There is no guarantee of keeping Goran. You lock up Bledsoe. Its silly to assert that Eric has microfracture surgery coming. He had a small portion of his meniscus removed. That is all.

 

[AzStevenCal]

Id prefer Monroe over Bledsoe. The Suns dont need to pay max money to another PG with a bad wheel and micro-fracture surgery in his future. I would prefer paying Goran what he's worth and having Thomas as a backup. Besides, competent & mobile 6.11 bigs dont grow on trees.

No they don't but we had a better one on the roster a year ago and most fans were champing at the bit to give Gortat away. Monroe has the potential to reach Marcin's level but he's not there yet despite how some fans here are now portraying him. And Bledsoe's injury has nothing to do with the injuries that lead to micro fracture.

Steve

 

[Mainstreet]

I've heard on Sports talk radio (speculation really) that Bledsoe should be good for about 5 years before his surgically repaired knee would need to be addressed again. However, I don't think removing meniscus should be minimized. Maybe if his knee was just scoped a couple of times for loose particles, I would feel better.

 

[AzStevenCal]

I've heard on Sports talk radio (speculation really) that Bledsoe should be good for about 5 years before his surgically repaired knee would need to be addressed again. However, I don't think removing meniscus should be minimized. Maybe if his knee was just scoped a couple of times for loose particles, I would feel better.

I've heard something along those lines too but I heard it about Wade and then Rose. It appears to me that he should be pretty safe on this next contract although I'm sure our medical staff will warn them otherwise if that's not the case.

Steve

 

[Mainstreet]

No they don't but we had a better one on the roster a year ago and most fans were champing at the bit to give Gortat away. Monroe has the potential to reach Marcin's level but he's not there yet despite how some fans here are now portraying him. And Bledsoe's injury has nothing to do with the injuries that lead to micro fracture.

Steve

Before Gortat left the Suns I never heard him say he wanted to remain a Sun. This is why I thought he was on his way out... perhaps the desire to look for greener pastures. It could be that Gortat knew the Suns would never show him the money, that is why there was no talk of him staying.

 

[StreetTruckinTitan]

I believe I heard on Gambo's show this was Erics second knee surgery (same knee) and after having his meniscus removed instead of repaired, put him in risk of future microfracture surg. Mind you that info came from Gambo for whats that worth.

 

[Mainstreet]

I believe I heard on Gambo's show this was Erics second knee surgery (same knee) and after having his meniscus removed instead of repaired, put him in risk of future microfracture surg. Mind you that info came from Gambo for whats that worth.

I think we are hearing a lot of the same things.