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Indiana Pacers rumors: Could Pacers acquire Greg Monroe in a Roy Hibbert deal?

By Andrew Melnick

Jan 30, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Detroit Pistons center Greg Monroe (10) backs Indiana Pacers center Roy Hibbert (55) into the paint during the first half at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 30, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Detroit Pistons center Greg Monroe (10) backs Indiana Pacers center Roy Hibbert (55) into the paint during the first half at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Detroit Pistons are having trouble re-signing restricted free agent big man Greg Monroe and the Indiana Pacers are reportedly shopping center Roy Hibbert. That has led to speculation the two could work out a trade, potentially involving a third team.

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Chuck Myron of Hoops Rumors doesn’t believe a deal involving the Pistons, Pacers and Portland Trail Blazers (they would send swingman Nic Batum and big man Robin Lopez to the Pistons in this scenario) that would send Hibbert to the Blazers (they are the team that signed him to an offer sheet) and Monroe to the Pacers is very realistic.

"The Blazers would lose two starters and bring back only one, so I can’t see that happening. Another key part of that trade would involve the Pacers deciding Greg Monroe is an upgrade on Roy Hibbert, and I’m not sure that’s a conclusion they’d come to. Hibbert, for all his foibles, remains an elite defensive center, which is something Monroe is not. Monroe is younger, though, and if he signs for less than the max, he’d be cheaper (although probably not by too much), so perhaps Indiana would be willing to do that for retooling purposes, but I wouldn’t bet on it."

Last season, Hibbert averaged 10.8 points, 6.6 rebounds, 2.2 blocks and 1.1 assists per game while shooting 43.9% from the field, 40.0% from beyond the arc and 77.0% from the free throw line. Over his career, he’s put up 11.2 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.4 blocks and 0.9 assists per game while shooting 4.7% from the floor, 30.0% from three and 73.7% from the charity stripe. 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. He’s averaged 14.0 points, 9.0 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.2 steals per game while shooting 50.8% from the floor and 67.8% from the charity stripe in his career.

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