Fansided

NBA Trade Rumors: Knicks still a strong contender for Greg Monroe

By Evan Massey

Nov 26, 2014; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons forward Greg Monroe (10) during the third quarter against the Los Angeles Clippers at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Los Angeles won 104-98. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2014; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons forward Greg Monroe (10) during the third quarter against the Los Angeles Clippers at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Los Angeles won 104-98. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

The New York Knicks still appear to be a strong contender to acquire Detroit Pistons big man Greg Monroe before the trade deadline if he is indeed available.

Greg Monroe is one of the candidates that could be traded prior to the February 19th NBA trading deadline, but the Detroit Pistons may not end up moving him. Ever since they cut Josh Smith, they have looked like a playoff contender and are just a couple of games out of playoff positioning.

More from Detroit Pistons

Despite their success, there is still a chance that the Pistons decide to make a move ahead of the deadline. They won’t make a trade just to strike a deal, but if they can get a fair return they wouldn’t hesitate. Monroe is going to be a free agent next offseason as well, which could make the Pistons more willing to consider an offer for him.

If the Pistons do decide to deal Monroe, the New York Knicks are considered a “strong contender” to acquire him.

Phil Jackson has seen the Knicks play one of their worst seasons in quite some time and has had to come to grips with the fact that his first full season in New York has been a complete failure. It is certainly a difficult season for them, but he is going to be more than willing to make a deal if it presents itself.

Monroe has been averaging 15.3 points and 10.3 rebounds per game this year, but his defense has left a lot to be desired. He hasn’t improved all that much on the defensive end of the court throughout his career, but at 24 years of age he still has quite a bit of time. His shooting percentage is sitting at 49.2 percent so far this year, which isn’t bad at all.

There are plenty of teams out there that have a need for a talented big man like Monroe, but the Knicks are in even more desperate need than most. Carmelo Anthony chose to re-sign with the Knicks this past offseason, but he has likely been regretting that decision with all of the struggles that they have had.

New York is going to try to acquire as much talent as they can, but they will have to figure out how to do that without having too many trade assets. Expect to see Jackson be very active at the trade deadline, and if Monroe is available he will likely check in and see if there is a deal to be made.

H/T Sporting News

More from FanSided

Home/Detroit Pistons