The New Orleans Pelicans could be a potential destination for Greg Monroe, who remains as Milwaukee Bucks' likely trade candidate before the February deadline.
ESPN's Marc Stein reported that the Bucks are still open on dealing Monroe, who has been consistently linked to the rumor mill after seeing him as an awkward fit in the team's youth movement. According to Stein, Monroe's limited minutes off the bench may suggest that the Bucks are ready to move on from the 26-year-old center.
"The Bucks have explored the possibility of trading Monroe since last season's deadline in February, which illustrates how hard it can be, but the limited role he has in Brewtown these days is akin to screaming that the 26-year-old is available," Stein wrote.
However, it could prove difficult for the Bucks to move Monroe, whose new limited role with the team could hurt his trade value. Monroe is averaging career low in minutes and points, posting 18.3 minutes and 8.5 points a game. But given ample playing time, Monroe could contribute well on the offensive end.
FanRag Sports writer Dave Leonardis explored possible landing spots for Monroe, and among the teams listed in the report is the New Orleans Pelicans.
"Beyond the offensive boost, Monroe to the Pelicans makes sense because he was born in New Orleans and played high school ball down the road in Harvey, Louisiana. Additionally, Davis' elite rim-protection safeguards the Pelicans from Monroe's defensive shortcomings," Leonardis wrote.
Despite Davis' immense talent on both ends of the floor, the Pelicans star simply needs help from another young veteran. Adding Monroe would give the Pels a scoring threat inside the paint, creating an offensively talented frontcourt that could give problems to rival teams.
It is unclear whether the Pelicans have real interest in adding Monroe, but the team has plenty of assets to make a deal work. New Orleans could send Tyreke Evans and Omer Asik to the Bucks, giving them pieces who could fit well in Jason Kidd's schemes.
There is a great chance the Pelicans could keep Monroe long-term as they could sell him the opportunity to play for his hometown team. For the Bucks, it is a deal worth exploring and probably the only scenario they could explore for the increasingly available Monroe.
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