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NBA free agency 2015: Top 5 signings in first week

By Matt Verderame

Oct 30, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love (0) reacts against the New York Knicks at Quicken Loans Arena. New York won 95-90. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 30, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love (0) reacts against the New York Knicks at Quicken Loans Arena. New York won 95-90. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 8, 2015; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons forward Greg Monroe (10) talks to forward Anthony Tolliver (43) during the third quarter against the Boston Celtics at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Celtics beat the Pistons 113-103. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 8, 2015; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons forward Greg Monroe (10) talks to forward Anthony Tolliver (43) during the third quarter against the Boston Celtics at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Celtics beat the Pistons 113-103. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Greg Monroe, Milwaukee Bucks

This one was a bit of a stunner. Everyone assumed that Monroe would be leaving the Detroit Pistons to ruin his career with either the Los Angeles Lakers or New York Knicks. Instad, Monroe veered off-course and inked a three-year, $50 million deal to join forced with Jason Kidd and the Milwaukee Bucks.

Milwaukee is an up-and-coming team in the Eastern Conference. The Bucks have done all they can in the offseason to make sure they don’t lose momentum after earning the sixth-seed and taking the Chicago Bulls to six games in the first round last season. Milwaukee was able to re-sign Khris Middleton to a five-year, $70 million deal before landing Monroe to anchor the defense and provide some punch on the interior.

With Monroe coming over, Milwaukee now has the option of going very big in certain situations. The Bucks still have John Henson and Zaza Pachula on the interior, along with the Greek Freak, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee could be a nightmare to match up against. After going 41-41 without 2014 second-overall pick Jabari Parker for most of the season, the Bucks could be a 50-win team in the tough Central Division.

While Milwaukee certainly isn’t on the level of the Chicago Bulls or Cleveland Cavaliers, it could be a team that reached the second round of the Eastern Conference playoffs. Considering the Bucks had the worst record in basketball two years ago, there is nothing to be ashamed of there. This is a young team on the rise.

Next: Butler staying in Chicago

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