Sorry, New York Knicks: it appears that free agent big man Greg Monroe is now Milwaukee-bound.
Monroe, 25, has reportedly come to terms with the Bucks on a three-year deal worth $50 million.
Monroe averaged 15.9 points and 10.2 rebounds for the Detroit Pistons in 69 games last season.
Per Yahoo! Sports:
The deal will include a player option after the second season in 2016-17, sources said.
One of the most sought after big men of July free agency, Monroe plans to join a young core of talent with the Bucks, who made a strong commitment to Monroe after the Los Angeles Lakers and Knicks didn’t offer full maximum contracts, league sources said.
Monroe wants to make the playoffs for the first time in his career and choosing the Bucks almost assures him of that opportunity. He had looked closely at the Portland Trail Blazers, but Monroe understood that 45-47 wins in the Western Conference still might not get him into the postseason. […] Monroe will make $15.8 million in 2015-16, $16.5 million in 2016-17 and hold a player option for $17.2 million in 2017-18. Monroe can exercise that option in 2017 to re-enter free agency.
UPDATE: It appears that Monroe chose to go with Milwaukee’s max deal offer over max deal offers from the Knicks, Lakers and Blazers. Wow.
Greg Monroe got max offers ranging from 1-4 yrs from MIL, NYK, LAL, POR. Chose shorter deal to win now with #bucks. Can become FA in 2017
— Michael Lee (@MrMichaelLee) July 2, 2015
