Greg Monroe and the New York Knicks reportedly have mutual interest on a deal this summer, but the Detroit Pistons forward played down reports about his future.
Frank Isola of NY Daily News reported that the Knicks have strong interest in acquiring Monroe and the soon-to-be-free agent is reportedly their top targets this offseason.
Isola said that most executives in the league are actually expecting the Knicks to acquire Monroe with one executive saying that it is almost a done deal. It means Monroe and the Knicks will unite now if the league will allow them, but it is still impossible at this point because teams are not allowed to talk to upcoming free agents until July.
According to Isola, representatives of both parties might have engaged in talks in recent months about their interest, which might be the reason why most executives are convinced Monroe will move to New York in the offseason.
New York Knicks president Phil Jackson also has a good relationship with Monroe's agent, David Falk, who previously represented Michael Jordan, Jackson's former player in Chicago. Sources said Monroe is looking for a maximum contract this summer, and Jackson is reportedly willing to give into the demand.
But when asked about the rumors linking him to the Knicks, Monroe denied any knowledge of previous talks between his representatives and the Knicks. He said he is in constant communication with Falk and his agent has not informed him about possible moves after the current season.
"This stuff right here, it's just unfortunate that we have to talk about it," Monroe told MLive, referring to talks about free agency. "I know we have to. But I talk to my agent every day, and I know for sure, I'm 100-percent, 1,000-percent confident, that he hasn't done anything. If they have interest, maybe they might have commented on that."
Monroe, who will be an unrestricted free agent this summer after signing a one-year qualifying offer when he was a restricted free agent last offseason, insisted that teams are not allowed to negotiation with players of opposing teams because it will violate league tampering rules.
Pistons president of basketball operations and head coach Stan Van Gundy also admitted that he has not talked to Monroe about his future because they are still focused on their remaining games this season.
"Greg and I have not spent any time talking about that," Van Gundy said. "I don't think it would be appropriate, number one, to be focusing on anything beyond the rest of the season until the season's over."
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