Greg Monroe: 1 year, $2.2 million (Toronto Raptors)
Monroe is signing a one-year, $2.2M deal with Toronto, league sources said. The veteran center is joining a contender in the Eastern Conference. https://t.co/oLrtvPV6IQ
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 6, 2018
After the blockbuster trade for Kawhi Leonard, the Toronto Raptors needed some depth at the 5 to make up for the departure of Jakob Poeltl. As one of the best remaining free agents, Greg Monroe represents frontcourt padding in a partnership that makes sense for both sides.
The fit is not perfect. Monroe is a flat-footed defender, and the Raptors were a top-five defense last year. However, in a limited role off the bench, he can still provide scoring and playmaking, as he did in 26 games with the Celtics last year when he posted 10.2 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.2 assists in just 19.1 minutes a night.
Monroe only works within the safe confines of a contender that can play him spot minutes off the bench and cover for his defense. The Raptors are such a contender, and by snagging him for the veteran minimum (despite having their $5.3 million taxpayer mid-level exception to offer), they’ve addressed a roster deficiency to keep last year’s bench mob going strong.
Bourguet Grade: B
Hoops Habit Grade: B