Should The Boston Celtics Target Greg Monroe?

So could the risk, and cost involved in pursuing Monroe be worth it for the Celtics? If they intend to retain Rondo they will need to act quickly and Monroe could well become a cornerstone piece alongside Boston’s star point guard.

If the Celtics’ staff had faith in Monroe developing more as he matures and becoming a consistent 20/10 threat, he could help jump start the Celtics’ rebuilding project and the Rondo-Monroe tandem could attract another top free agent over the next two years.

While the young bigs in Boston have shown the potential to become quality starters, none have the proven, consistent production that Monroe has on his track-record. The Celtics would still need to find a shot-blocking presence but having a contributor like Monroe up front would make the process of becoming a playoff team much more direct.

It would surely cost the Celtics a number of quality assets if they were to put together a package for Monroe but it could almost certainly be done. One of Sullinger or Olynyk would give the Pistons a replacement rotation player for their frontcourt who would also provide a better fit with their outside shooting ability.

The Celtics also have a number of non-guaranteed contracts and as many as 10 first-round draft picks over the next five years. The Pistons may also like the fit of Boston swingman Jeff Green, who would seemingly be a much better fit in the starting lineup, allowing Smith to play his natural four position while Green mans the small forward.

If Ainge could acquire Monroe for one of his young bigs, some of the lesser-valued draft picks (i.e., the Clippers’ first-rounder in 2015) and non-guaranteed deals it would be impossible to say no from the Celtics’ perspective. The inclusion of sharp-shooting rookie James Young could sway the Pistons or the teams could look to base a deal around Jeff Green instead.

Regardless, the Celtics and Pistons appear to be a compatible pair when it comes to trades and as long as Monroe’s asking price does not scare the Celtics away, it would not be a shock to hear of Ainge and Van Gundy discussing the possibility of sending the former Georgetown star to Boston.