Greg Monroe’s time with in Phoenix appears to be short lived, as he played in 20 games for the Suns before reportedly being bought out of his deal yesterday. The veteran center, who is averaging 10.4 points, 7.4 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 23.3 minutes per game this season, is a Louisiana native and a return to his home state may be next on his agenda.
According to multiple reports, the New Orleans Pelicans and Monroe have mutual interest in each other. However, the Pelicans are not alone in their reported pursuit of the big man as the Boston Celtics and others are in the mix. According to TNT Analyst David Aldridge, the San Antonio Spurs and Washington Wizards are new to the list of team interested in Monroe.
Add Spurs, Wizards to growing list of playoff teams interested in Greg Monroe post-waivers. Celtics and Pelicans among others.
— David Aldridge (@davidaldridgedc) February 1, 2018
Chris Mannix of Yahoo Sports reports the Pelicans and Monroe have strong, mutual interest in each other:
There is strong early, mutual interest between the Pelican and Greg Monroe, source tells @YahooSports. Monroe is a New Orleans native and Pels can offer significant playing time with Cousins out.
— Chris Mannix (@SIChrisMannix) February 1, 2018
William Guillory of The Times-Picayune is also reporting on the shared interested between the parties, too:
The New Orleans Pelicans have been desperately searching for frontcourt help since losing fallen star DeMarcus Cousins for the season, and they may be turning to a New Orleans native to fill that role.
A source confirmed on Thursday that there is mutual interest between the Pelicans and veteran forward Greg Monroe, a former Helen Cox standout, on a potential free-agent deal.
Monroe hit free agency on Thursday after the Phoenix Suns bought him out of the final year of his contract, which was worth $17.8 million. Landing in New Orleans would give him an opportunity to play a significant role for a team that hopes to make a return trip to the playoffs.
Last night, it was reported by both ESPN.com and The Arizona Republic that the Boston Celtics also have interest in signing Monroe.
Monroe has been to the playoffs just once in his career, averaging 13.2 ppg, 7.3 rpg while shooting 52.9 percent in the Milwaukee Bucks’ six-game, first-round playoff series exit against the Toronto Raptors.
