Skip to content

Monroe admits to being 'blindsided' by trade to Suns

Stacy Revere / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Although his name was seemingly on the chopping block for a good chunk of what would be his final full season with the Milwaukee Bucks, when Greg Monroe was finally shipped off, it came as a total shock to the 27-year-old big man.

"Blindsided," said Monroe following his first practice with the Phoenix Suns, according to ESPN's Nick Friedell. "I honestly didn't have any clue. But it's what we signed up for. It could happen to anyone at any moment. My job is to play, that's what I try to focus on and that's really it.

"I was surprised, I was just trying to get healthy, get back on the floor and help that team. Now that I'm here, I'll do the same here. And if it's somewhere else, I'll do the same there. My focus doesn't change; it's a business and I'm a player so I just try to play."

Monroe, along with protected first- and second-round picks, was traded to the Suns in exchange for disgruntled guard Eric Bledsoe on Tuesday. Phoenix will reportedly now look to move Monroe in yet another trade, and if it can't, the team will buy out the remainder of his $17.8-million expiring contract.

Monroe understands what Phoenix general manager Ryan McDonough is trying to put together with his roster, and that he probably won't be a part of his plans. Nonetheless, if McDonough ever changes his mind and ultimately sees value in keeping him, Monroe will make sure he's ready.

"I talked to him quickly," Monroe said. "I just told him I understand the plan they have in place, how they want to approach the season. I told him if you want me to play, I'll always play. I'll never be one not to want to play. If not, we'll just work together, find the best option for everyone. but I'm more than happy to play here. So we'll just continue to talk and see what happens."

Monroe has been out of action since Oct. 29 with an injured left calf. He played in all but a single game in 2016-17 for the 42-40 Bucks, averaging 11.7 points and 6.6 rebounds on 53.3 percent shooting coming off the bench.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox