NBA Rumors Round-Up
NBA Rumors: Greg Monroe Goes on the Defensive
Alan is an expert gambling writer who works as one of the chief editors for Basketball Insiders. He has been covering online gambling and sports betting for over 8 years, having written for the likes of Sportlens, Compare.bet, The Sports Daily, 90min, and TopRatedCasinos.co.uk. His particular specialisms include US online casinos and gambling regulations, and soccer and basketball betting. Based in London, Alan holds an MA in English Literature and is a passionate supporter of Chelsea FC.
All posts by Alan DraperUpdated8 hours ago on April 24, 2024
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Detroit Pistons center Greg Monroe was perturbed by a report that he wants to be traded at virtually any cost, calling it “completely false” and “annoying” to have to answer about.
Head coach Stan Van Gundy also debunked the report by The Sporting News that the Pistons are seeking a first-round pick for Monroe, saying the team has approached no one, nor been approached by other teams, about trading the center-forward.
Monday was the first day trades re-opened for players who signed as free agents last summer, including Monroe.
In Monday’s NBA PM we took a look at the bleak trade landscape for Monroe and the reasoning behind it under the assumption that he was eager to change sceneries. It’s no surprise, though, that he and Van Gundy publicly dismissed the report because that is simply how business works in today’s NBA. It’s hard to imagine, especially after virtually being held hostage by the Pistons in free agency, that he wouldn’t be open to the prospect of a trade. However, coming right out and saying so would cause a lot of unnecessary issues and really deter the Pistons’ attempts to trade him.
The ultimate test will come if the Pistons approach Monroe about waiving his no-trade clause. At this point, a break up seems like an utter certainty. Monroe is going to sign with the highest bidder this offseason, and the Pistons are unlikely to be that team based off of their inability to negotiate a deal with him this offseason. Monroe is still good for the 15 and nine he has been the last four years, but the team is one of the worst in the league and they just can’t afford to pay Monroe what it would take to keep him when he’s such a poor fit with the roster currently in place.
Pelicans have received inquiries from other teams, mainly about Tyreke Evans. But source says they're committed to keeping him.
— Howard Beck (@HowardBeck) December 16, 2014
Should note, in fact, that Pelicans are thrilled with Tyreke Evans' play this season. He's been their best player not named Anthony Davis.
— Howard Beck (@HowardBeck) December 16, 2014
via Twitter
Evans is quietly putting up monster numbers this season, averaging 16.9 points, 5.4 rebounds and 5.8 assists. Those are All-Star numbers, so the Pelicans are wise to keep him off of the block, because with a de-escalating contract at $11.2 million this year that runs through 2017 when he’ll be paid $10.2 million, he actually has one of the better long-term contracts out there.
There is an opposite side of the spectrum that you can interpret this news from. This simply could be the Pelicans posturing in hopes of improving the offers that are out there for Evans. Their cap situation really prohibits them being able to make a major splash in another way, so if an offer that makes them a better, or more importantly deeper team, don’t rule out the possibility of the Pelicans re-considering their stance.
Jabari Parker crumpled to the floor with a left knee injury and had to be carried to the locker room in the Milwaukee Bucks’ win over the Phoenix Suns.
The injury occurred with 10:54 left in the third quarter as Parker drove in transition. His knee buckled before contact with P.J. Tucker and a double foul was called on the play.
The Bucks will be collectively holding their breath as they await the results of Parker’s testing. He’s currently the leader in the race for the Rookie of the Year thanks to being a vital part of the Bucks’ shocking resurgence. Parker’s production may not be difficult to replace by committee, but he’s gaining valuable experience right now while being groomed to become the team’s top option in time. He was playing some of his best basketball as of late.
In his absence, look for the Bucks to rely more on Jared Dudley, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton.
