The Washington Wizards are interested in Detroit Pistons big man Greg Monroe, according to a report from Basketball Insiders' Alex Kennedy:
NBA trade rumors: Wizards reportedly interested in Greg Monroe
Washington reportedly has interest in bringing big man Greg Monroe back to D.C.
Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
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One player who has been mentioned in trade rumors throughout this season is Greg Monroe, the young power forward who will be a restricted free agent this offseason since he couldn't agree on an extension with the Pistons. It's no secret that Josh Smith is better at the four, and it's possible that Detroit moves the valuable Monroe to upgrade another position and slide Smith over to power forward.
One team is interested in Monroe is the Washington Wizards, according to multiple league sources. It's becoming clear that Washington is planning to pursue in Monroe, either through trade or free agency.
Monroe, who attended Georgetown University, might seem to be a natural fit in Washington just based on location. That doesn’t mean there’s much of a chance it happens soon, though. If the Pistons do indeed shop Monroe, one would assume that Detroit would want young talent and/or future picks for him, and it’s unclear whether or not they will shop him and whether or not the Wizards would be willing to send that sort of package the Pistons’ way rather than chasing Monroe in restricted free agency this summer. Being “interested” in Monroe isn’t the same as being interested in investing heavy money in him or surrendering valuable assets for him.
Regardless of the strange construction of Detroit’s current roster, it’s not like the Pistons are prepared to just give a young, productive player like Monroe away. Given that he’s headed into restricted free agency, it might be tricky to find a team that gives them what they want. With Washington’s win-now mandate, the Wizards are worth keeping an eye on, but don’t get carried away.
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