Greg Monroe rumors: Atlanta Hawks, Orlando Magic in pursuit
When the Detroit Pistons hired former Miami Heat and Orlando Magic head coach Stan Van Gundy as president and head coach, it appeared as though big man Greg Monroe may be on his way out of Detroit.
More from Atlanta Hawks
- NBA rumors: Hawks trade candidate, Sixers miss out, Lakers almost lose Reaves
- NBA Rumors: 5 best trade destinations for Pascal Siakam
- The new NBA flopping rules explained
- NBA rumors: Raptors insider drops one player mentioned heavily in trade discussions
- 3 disastrous Zach LaVine trades the Bulls need to avoid
The Pistons look like they want to build around center Andre Drummond, leading many to believe Van Gundy would look for a power forward that could knock down shots from the outside and help stretch defense. When Van Gundy had Dwight Howard in Orlando, he used Rashard Lewis and Ryan Anderson as stretch fours to knock down shots from the outside and they were among the league’s best offenses every season.
There have been reports the Pistons were looking to deal Monroe in a sign-and-trade because he is a restricted free agent. Van Gundy, however, has continued to heap praise on Monroe and says he is in constant contact with Monroe’s agent.
The most likely scenario seems to be letting Monroe test the market, potentially sign and offer sheet and decide what to do from there. That’s the approach the Magic took with center Marcin Gortat and guard J.J. Redick when Van Gundy was there.
According to Marc Stein of ESPN.com, both the Magic and Atlanta Hawks are interested in Monroe.
Atlanta Hawks are one team that keep coming up as a potential suitor for Greg Monroe as he becomes restricted free agent at 12:01 AM
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) July 1, 2014
And the Orlando Magic are another team said to possess Greg Monroe interest
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) July 1, 2014
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.