With a shortage of big men, the Cavaliers have turned their attention toward Greg Monroe and are considering an offer to the Suns, according to Sam Amico of AmicoHoops.
The veteran power forward/center was shipped from Milwaukee to Phoenix this week as part of the Eric Bledsoe trade. The Suns reportedly don’t have any long-term plans for Monroe and would consider a buyout if they can’t move him in another deal.
The 27-year-old is in the final year of his contract with a $17.8MM salary. In addition to providing an inside presence, Monroe is a “team-first player,” according to Amico, who would be willing to sacrifice his stats for the chance to rejoin a contender.
Monroe appeared in just five games with the Bucks before the deal and had his minutes cut sharply to 15.8 per night. However, he is a proven scorer and rebounder who averaged 11.7 points and 6.6 rebounds in 81 games last season, then raised those numbers to 13.2 and 7.3 in the playoffs.
The Cavaliers need inside help after losing starting center Tristan Thompson to a strained left calf in a November 1 game. He was projected to miss three to four weeks, which puts him out for most of the month.
It’s not clear what the Suns might ask in return for Monroe, but Iman Shumpert [$10,337,079] and Channing Frye [$7,420,912] provide an almost perfect salary match. Shumpert, who was on the trading block throughout the offseason, has a player option for next year worth slightly more than $11MM, while Frye, who spent three seasons with Phoenix early in his career, has an expiring deal.
Amico adds that the Spurs and Nuggets have also expressed interest in Monroe.
I’d love this; I’m not as desperate to get rid of Frye as I would be Shumpert, but if putting them together makes the money work then I’d be willing to throw a low level pick their way too.
we desperatelyneed a big man
Who the hell don’t they want lol anyone who might make James look good they want
Sad but true…
I’m doing my best not to laugh.
Cavs fans, “Should we add players that play defense?”
Cavs Front Office. “No! We need as many players that can’t play defense as we can get! Check if Enes Kanter is available! Now!!!”
Lol on point timing, but I give you the win on the Enes Kanter mention
ok big mouth. Who do the Cavs need to make it a better defensive team that IS available. da
Trying hard to be the worst defensive team ever
The Paul Westhead Nuggets would like a word.
I’d like to see Hoops Rumors write an article explaining how the salary cap works. A lot of people don’t understand. Monroe is a better offensive center than Thompson and Love could go back to power forward. The Cavs are trying to accumulate the worst defensive team, oldest team, and all-overpaid team.
bring back Frye!
It’s not like the cavs will be losing defense in this trade. Shumpert can sorta play defense but he sucks at shooting. But they really need to add defense over offense. I don’t know who is worse off if this trade happens. At least the cavs dump shumpert
Monroes salary is $17,884,000. Spotrac.com lists every player and team salary. It lists where they are on soft cap, hard cap, and luxury tax as well as acquired trade exceptions. This can be used to determine trades.
Tried the ESPN trade machine. Cavs sending Iman Shumpert and Channing Frye (they offered these 2 for Carmelo Anthony) to Phoenix for Monroe works. Don’t know how the Suns owner feels though.
Shumpert for Monroe straight up
Do ESPN trade machine. It will fail. I tried! Must have Shumpert and Frye!
The Cavs wouldn’t be winning without James, but if he’s going to play point guard, he has to cut back on his turnovers!
I can’t see Phx doing this without Cle’s firstrounder, but to give that up should deliver a center better at defense.
And Monroe has been getting most of his points on the second unit.
Nobody saw the Phoenix-Milwaukee trade coming.
The Cavs may wait for a buyout. I have no idea what the Phoenix owner is thinking!
It would be better for Thompson if he went to Phoenix. He’d be closer to LA, and the Suns get to have the Kardashians at their games. Just what a bunch of young, rich athletes need.