The Milwaukee Bucks are still in the hunt for a potential trade partner to deal Greg Monroe and the Dallas Mavericks and New Orleans Pelicans are the top two destinations for the unwanted center, according to latest trade rumors.
Monroe, 26, has been the subject of recent trade rumors because of the limited playing time that Bucks head coach Jason Kidd has been giving him lately. It is said to be showing that Milwaukee's team officials are ready to move on from their $50 million signing last year.
Inquisitr reported that Dallas is in need of a quality center that can "score and rebound" and, despite Monroe's current playing time struggles in Milwaukee, the former Georgetown standout is showing that he is still reliable to play that role.
The Mavericks are currently at the bottom of the Western Conference standings with a 4-15 record with main man Dirk Nowitzki struggling with injuries. New acquisitions Harrison Barnes and Andrew Bogut are playing well despite the losses, but Dallas is reportedly looking to trade the latter and his expiring contract in or before the February trade deadline.
The trade scenario being suggested is the Mavs should send Bogut and point guard Devin Harris to the Bucks in exchange for Monroe and a future second-round draft pick. The problem with this deal is both Bogut and Harris are injury-prone players and Milwaukee will definitely think twice before acquiring both of them.
Meanwhile, HNGN suggested that the Bucks should trade Monroe and substitute forward Michael Beasley to the Pelicans for starters Tyreke Evans and Omer Asik.
Some analysts believe that Monroe is a better fit with the Pelicans as Anthony Davis' frontcourt partner. With Monroe starting at center, Davis can go back to his more natural position of power forward.
Meanwhile, Kidd could use Asik as a more affordable backup center to John Henson and Miles Plumlee while Evans' expiring contract could help the team clear some salary cap space next offseason.
Monroe is producing the lowest numbers of his career this season as he is averaging 8.8 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists in only 18.4 minutes per game in 17 games so far.