When the Phoenix Suns made an early season trade to send disgruntled guard Eric Bledsoe to the Milwaukee Bucks, the main piece, besides the first round pick, to make the deal work was Greg Monroe and his big contract. Monroe agreed to pick up his player option over the summer worth $17.8 million in the final year of his contract.
After playing 20 games with Phoenix, Monroe is hitting free agency. The Suns agreed to buy him out of his remaining deal. He will be placed on waivers on Thursday and will become a free agent if he goes unclaimed after 48 hours.
Following comes from John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports 98.7 and Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.
Suns center Greg Monroe not in the building tonight – buyout could be coming.
— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) February 1, 2018
It is a buyout of Monroe
— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) February 1, 2018
Look for New Orleans, Milwaukee and Boston to have interest in Greg Monroe.
— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) February 1, 2018
Once Monroe clears waivers, he will become an unrestricted free agent. There will be significant interest league-wide in signing Monroe for balance of the season. https://t.co/sscMWc1jEu
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 1, 2018
Monroe, 27, has averaged 13.9 points and 8.7 rebounds throughout his eight-year career. In his 25 games between Milwaukee and Phoenix this season, Monroe averaged 10.4 points per game (lowest since his rookie year) and 7.4 rebounds (second lowest of his career).
