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The Pistons made a move trading for Ersan Ilyasova, a stretch 4 that would (in theory) fit better next to Andre Drummuod and give the Pistons a good replacement provided Greg Monroe leaves via free agency. That has led to speculation that Monroe is as good as gone. So where is he going? At least some people think that the Celtics are an option.
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However, he could be the Pistons’ full-time starter as veteran Greg Monroe will become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. There is strong speculation Monroe will sign with either New York or Boston.
It makes sense really. Most of the top free agents are going to stay where they are simply because their teams can offer them the most money over the longest contract periods. Some free agents, however, will still want to test the market and Monroe is likely to be one of those that looks to leave.
He doesn't exactly fit a glaring need on the Celtics, but he is a talented big man.
Though Monroe has plenty of skills in the low post, he falls shy of the top tier among a stacked crop of free-agent big men. Still, luring a better rim protector, like Marc Gasol or DeAndre Jordan, or offensive threat, like Kevin Love or LaMarcus Aldridge, could be a pipe dream for the Celtics. They could opt to pursue Monroe despite his expected price tag (he reportedly wants a max deal) and imperfect fit (he would not settle Boston's issues protecting the paint).
I think that the Celtics are not going to be picky. If there's a guy out there that is a talent upgrade, the Celtics will go out and get him and work out the roster later. That could mean adding yet another power forward or point guard if they become available.
Obviously at some point the roster needs to be evened out and holes need to be filled. But Ainge may very well decide to grab what he can in free agency and then work out the rest via trades.
What do you think about Monroe? Is he worth the money and the hassle of figuring out the roster?