Greg Monroe rumors: Portland Trail Blazers after Monroe

By Andrew Melnick | Jun 30, 2014

Apr 16, 2014; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Detroit Pistons forward Greg Monroe (10) drives to the basket against Oklahoma City Thunder forward Serge Ibaka (9) during the first quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

Although this summer will be all about the free agency of the Miami Heat’s big three of forward LeBron James, big man Chris Bosh and guard Dwyane Wade and New York Knicks’ forward Carmelo Anthony, who have all opted out of their contracts, there will be plenty of other quality free agents as well.

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Los Angeles Lakers’ big man Pau Gasol, Indiana Pacers’ guard Lance Stephenson, Toronto Raptors’ point guard Kyle Lowry and both Washington Wizards’ center Marcin Gortat and swingman Trevor Ariza are all going to hit the market Tuesday.

There are also restricted free agents like Utah Jazz swingman Gordon Hayward and Detroit Pistons big man Greg Monroe that are going to drum up a lot of interest. Monroe is a rare case because he is a talented big man that might actually be available.

The Atlanta Hawks and Orlando Magic are both reportedly interested in Monroe but one report suggested the Pistons would match any offer for the talented big man.

According to Marc Stein, the Blazers are also going to be in the mix for Monroe and has serious interest in trying to pull off a sign-and-trade.

Another team to watch in the Greg Monroe restricted free-agent hunt: I'm told Portland has serious interest in a sign-and-trade for Monroe
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) July 1, 2014

The Blazers had great success last season, finishing 54-28 and pulling a mild upset of the Houston Rockets and are obviously looking to take the next step. Teaming Monroe with LaMarcus Aldridge would give the Blazers the best offensive big man duo in the league by a good margin.

Monroe put up 15.2 points, 9.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.1 steals per game while shooting 49.7% from the field and 65.7% from the free throw line last season.