Monroe spurns Knicks, signs 3-year contract with Bucks | CP24.com

On Thursday, the second day of the 2015 National Basteball Association free agency period, Monroe agreed to a big deal with a somewhat surprising team: The Milwaukee Bucks.

The big-market Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks wanted him. According to ESPN Stats & Information, he was one of five players (along with DeMarcus Cousins, Anthony Davis, Pau Gasol and Zach Randolph) to average 15 points, 10 rebounds and two assists last season. Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, Kawhi Leonard and even Jabari Parker all have national endorsements with companies like Nike, Adidas or Under Armour that pay them handsomely outside of their NBA salary. Antetokounmpo (15.9%), Carter-Williams (14.3%), and Parker (25%), on the other hand, give opposing defenses absolutely no reason to guard them at that distance.

The writing as on the wall for Monroe’s departure, despite pre-draft comments from Stan Van Gundy that maintained that bringing Monroe back was a possibility, although not a probability.

Monroe chose the Bucks and on paper this looks like a very good fit. Ellis only shot 28.5 percent on 3-pointers a year ago, but his ability to score will help the Pacers, who ranked 24th in scoring last season.

Monroe’s deal will average $16.6 million, surpassing the average (but not the length or total dollars) of Middleton’s contract.

The deal that sent Ersan Ilyasova to Detroit for since-waived players not only opened up cap space for the Bucks to grab Monroe from the Pistons (as if the Pistons actually put up a fight), but a starting slot for John Henson.

Monroe is represented by agent David Falk. Monroe got the max for three years with a player option on the third season, which keeps his options wide open for the huge influx of television cash that will flood the league.

It’s hard to tell if the glitz of Hollywood has completely lost its allure or if the bright lights of Broadway are now just a flickering distraction but neither seems to be enough to attract marquee National Basteball Association free agents these days.

Monroe and Middleton will be able to formally sign their new deals on July 9. Mayo and Jerryd Bayless. His columns for NBCNewYork.com on the Knicks, Brooklyn Nets and the National Basteball Association, along with other major sports, will appear twice weekly. His agent confirmed as much to the New York Post regarding New York’s offer.

Greg Monroe talked about how he believes Jason Kidd is the ideal coach for this team because of how he constantly wins, no matter the circumstances, whether he is coaching or playing.