NBA trade rumors: 5 trade destinations for Greg Monroe

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Feb 21, 2014; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons power forward Greg Monroe (10) holds the ball as Atlanta Hawks power forward Paul Millsap (4) defends in the first quarter at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

4. player. 125. . East. Southeast. Atlanta Hawks

The Atlanta Hawks will again probably be a top four team in the Eastern Conference come playoff time in 2017, but Atlanta needs to become a more physically imposing team if the Hawks want their embarrassing skid versus the Cleveland Cavaliers to end.

Atlanta has players that Milwaukee could be interested in like either point guard Jeff Teague or Dennis Schroder. The Bucks may also be intrigued by either of these frankly more versatile big man than Monroe: Paul Millsap, Tiago Splitter, or to-be free agent Al Horford.

The Hawks did target Monroe in 2015 NBA free agency before ultimately trading for Splitter. Yes, Splitter has a strong working relationship with Hawks head coach Mike Budenholzer from their time in Atlanta, but Atlanta probably preferred a near All-Star caliber player in Monroe entering last summer’s free agency period.

Realistically a sign-and-trade involving Horford isn’t happening and Atlanta would be reluctant to part ways with its best player in 2015-16 in Millsap. The point guard factor might get Kidd and Milwaukee general manager John Hammond’s attention, as Carter-Williams has been grossly ineffective and the Bucks have to tread water with Antetokounmpo running the show at point forward.

Milwaukee needs help in the back court to reach the 2017 NBA Playoffs. Atlanta needs muscle in the front court to honestly try to dethrone the NBA Champion Cavaliers next postseason. A trade between these two teams feels messy, but in several ways could prove to be mutually beneficial in the long run.

Next: 3. Portland Trail Blazers.

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