The New York Knicks and Atlanta Hawks have reportedly inquired for the service of power forward Greg Monroe, whom the Detroit Pistons have reportedly made available on the trading block.
Real GM reporter Shams Charania reported the Knickerbockers and the Hawks have reportedly inquired for the service of Monroe, who cannot be traded without his permission.
"Over a dozen teams should have the necessary cap space to attract Monroe. The New York Knicks and Atlanta Hawks are two prospective suitors for the 6-foot-11 center, with the Knicks' possibility to move onto Monroe should Marc Gasol re-sign with the Memphis Grizzlies and the Hawks already placing an interest in the offseason," said Charania, who added that big market teams like the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers appear to be not interested in Monroe.
The Knicks are once again searching for answers this season, all despite the arrival of Phil Jackson as the vice president for basketball operations and Derek Fisher as head coach. They were able to re-sign Carmelo Anthony on a lucrative, long-term deal, but they haven't reaped any dividend yet from the newly-introduced triangle offense.
Moreover, the Knicks are still tied up with burdensome contracts of power forward Andrea Bargnani and Amar'e Stoudemire, so their chances of improving their lineup will not come until next summer, when they have enough cap space to sign at least two max players.
On the other hand, the Hawks have remained a playoff contender in the Eastern Conference without adding a significant free-agent last offseason. Paul Millsap continued to produce big time numbers for the Hawks, while Al Horford has recaptured his All-Star form after sitting most of last season with injury.
The Hawks also have loads of young players and draft picks to dispose incase the Pistons wanted an enticing haul in exchange for the service of Monroe, who is averaging 14.3 points and 9.3 rebounds per game this season.
