NBA Trade Rumors: Knicks’ Most Realistic Trade Targets

Greg Monroe, Milwaukee Bucks

Position: Center

Age: 25

2015-16 Salary: $16,407,500

Contract Expires: Player Option for 2018

Slash Line: .521/.000/.745

Season Averages: 30.5 MPG, 16.7 PPG, 9.7 RPG, 3.1 ORPG, 2.3 APG, 0.9 BPG, 0.9 SPG

In this deal, the New York Knicks would essentially swap Robin Lopez for Greg Monroe. In order to pique the Milwaukee Bucks’ interest, however, the inclusion of one of New York’s better young players, Jerian Grant or Langston Galloway, would likely be required.

The good news: according to Gery Woelfl of The Racine Journal Times, the Bucks are already considering trading Monroe.

"But Carter-Williams isn’t the only frontline player the Bucks are apparently willing to move. A much bigger surprise is the Bucks have made it known that center Greg Monroe is available at the right price, according to some NBA officials."

New York has the assets to make a solid offer for Monroe, but it’s unclear whether or not they’d be able to present the most attractive deal.

As previously alluded to, this trade would be built around Lopez and Monroe. One could easily make the case that Monroe is the superior individual player, but Lopez is the type of selfless contributor who would enable Milwaukee to develop its youth.

That includes second-year power forward Jabari Parker, who’s losing touches to Monroe.

By bringing Monroe to New York, the Knicks would do what Phil Jackson intended to during the summer of 2015: pair the 25-year-old center with Kristaps Porzingis. Monroe’s range is limited, but his scoring proficiency from the low block and ability to facilitate from the elbow make him the perfect offensive fit in the Triangle Offense.

There are defensive concerns, but New York would significantly improve its postseason odds by adding Monroe to the mix.

Next: Embattled Option