3. Greg Monroe (PF/C) – Detroit Pistons
Of all the potential trade bait for the Heat, Monroe appears to be the safest long-term move of all prospects. He’s a great rebounder, solid post player and an excellent complementary player for the established leaders of the Heat in Wade and Bosh. The Pistons seem to have a love-hate-love relationship with Monroe, as they refuse to sign him to a long-term extension, yet play coy when he’s brought up in trade talks. Pistons Head Coach Stan Van Gundy wants to continue pairing Monroe with fellow big Andre Drummond, but Monroe – who signed his qualifying offer to remain with the team – has free agency ahead of him and no sense of commitment to this franchise after this season. Detroit would be foolish not to trade or sign him to a bigger deal.
Monroe would bring about seven to eight rebounds more per game to South Beach, while also solidifying himself as the enforcer in the paint alongside any Heat big man. He has the skill and post play to draw double teams in the paint on many nights, opening up second and third chances for bench players like Chris Andersen and Udonis Haslem to grab easy boards and deliver easier buckets. Much like a deal for Lopez, demands for draft picks and young talent would behoove the Heat to think hard about a potential deal, considering the fact that Monroe has been a productive player on a losing team throughout his career. Would he influence a winning culture in South Beach? That’s up to Heat President Pat Riley to ponder on.
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