Detroit Pistons forward Greg Monroe, who becomes an unrestricted free agent in July, reportedly will be targeted by New York Knicks president Phil Jackson this summer. With Monroe unlikely to be traded, and with New York's chunk of open salary cap space in July, the Knicks are in position to be a top contender for the 24-year-old.
All signs point to this being Monroe's last season in Detroit. He purportedly turned down several lucrative offers from the Pistons this offseason, instead choosing to risk injury and play on a one-year qualifying offer that would allow him to become an unrestricted free agent in the summer. With a trade unlikely to happen - Detroit reportedly rebuffed several potential sign-and-trades in the offseason and Monroe wants his Bird Rights and can veto any trade proposal - the attention has turned to this summer.
While Monroe won't be the biggest name in the 2015 free agency class, there'll still be a sizeable market for him. One of the teams expected to pursue him is New York, according to Jeff Zillgitt of USA Today.
Per Zillgitt:
"Monroe is averaging 15 points, 9.1 rebounds and 1.7 assists and has eight double-doubles. Atlanta had interest in the summer and may have interest again in July. It's also not a stretch to picture Monroe with the New York Knicks and the triangle offense. But there will be other teams looking for a big man, too."
Monroe made headlines earlier in the week when a report indicated he "badly" wanted to be traded this season, a report that he dismissed as unfounded and annoying.
New York is also expected to pursue soon-to-be free agent center Marc Gasol. Phoenix Suns guard Goran Dragic is another free agent possibility. He's expected to opt out of his contract in July, and if he does, he'd easily be one of the best point guards on the market and could be a long-term answer for the Knicks at the 1-spot.
