The Milwaukee Bucks couldn’t land center Tyson Chandler in free agency from Dallas, but they have the next best thing.
While Chandler agreed to a four-year deal with Phoenix on Wednesday, the Bucks moved ahead and agreed to terms on a maximum contract with free agent Greg Monroe from Detroit. The deal will be worth an estimated $50 million over three years, with the third year a player option.
The Bucks beat out the New York Knicks, Portland Trailblazers and Los Angeles Lakers for Monroe’s services.
Monroe averaged nearly 16 points and 10 rebounds a game for the Pistons last season. His deal will average $16.6 million a season, passing the average of the deal Khris Middleton received ($14 million) earlier.
Monroe’s agent David Falk told CBSSports that all four teams offered maximum contracts but Monroe chose the Bucks because they offered the best chance “to make the playoffs immediately.” In his five seasons with the Pistons, Monroe has never made the playoffs.
Monroe, along with Khris Middleton will be able to formally sign their new deals on July 9.