The Bucks aren't ready to cut bait on the Monroe-Parker-Antetokounmpo trio yet, but Monroe will draw interest at the trade deadline if they put him out there.
They haven't yet, league sources say. But Monroe can opt out after next season, and if the Bucks don't think he's a long-term fit, now is the time to gauge the market. Monroe on a two-plus-one deal was always free money for Milwaukee. If he worked out, great, they'd probably make the playoffs again, and enflame a fan base as they sought public money for a new arena. If it didn't work out, what was the harm? Signing Monroe put Milwaukee on the free-agent map, and experimenting with a low-post bruiser wouldn't waste any of Parker's or Antetokounmpo's prime years. They are still just 20 and 21, years away from the point at which players develop into the centerpieces of contending teams. The long-term picture is fine.
All three of Boston, Charlotte and Portland could offer combinations of players, picks and salary filler that might interest Milwaukee. One lottery-protected Boston pick wouldn't do it, and the Celtics aren't flipping those golden Brooklyn picks for Monroe. But what about two of their own picks, or one pick and Jared Sullinger? Would one unprotected Charlotte pick do the trick, since the Hornets are something like a 50-50 bet to end up in the lottery even with Monroe? Portland has chased Monroe before, and they have some interesting young guys and $20 million in cap room. After working to establish themselves as a player-friendly place, the Bucks would have to be careful about where, and how, they deal Monroe.
How about it, would you deal Sully and a first or two firsts for Monroe?
This one makes me think.
First let me just say that I don't think Ainge has much interest in Monroe. I've been on the camp that thought it was a mistake not to go after him (if you buy into that theory as I do).
That said, I'm not so sure I want to trade for him. Not much of a fan of his contract, essentially a 1 year rental, and then we have to take into consideration buying power next off season (I'd rather have Monroe than cap space).
But still the main problem remains, his contract. Not a fan. If it was a more longer term contract I'd go for it with little thought behind it.
So, not sure where I stand. It's a juggling act for me, i'd probably be OK with either or not doing it.