The Portland Trail Blazers have expressed interest in signing UFA and former Detroit center Greg Monroe. Monroe has already met with the new York Knicks, and says that he wants "to be with a team that wants me."
The Blazers' current starting center, Robin Lopez is considering other teams in free agency as a UFA. Lopez will also command a larger contract after his improved play with Portland over the last two seasons. Although Lopez played well for the Blazers, Monroe would be a huge upgrade, and may help to convince LaMarcus Aldridge to stay in Portland.
Portland also recently traded for former Brooklyn center Mason Plumlee. The deal saw Portland part with Steve Blake (just days after he picked up his player option), and their first round draft pick Rondae Hollis-Jefferson. If the Blazers can't sign Monroe, Plumlee and Leonard will likely fight for the starting center spot.
Greg Monroe is vastly different from the centers that Portland has seen in the past. Portland rarely has dominant centers in the game, especially ones as big as Greg Monroe. If he signs with the Blazers, he will likely serve as the team's defensive anchor, just as Robin Lopez did.
Monroe would serve as a big incentive for LaMarcus Aldridge to stay in Portland, as LaMarcus has never worked with a center of Monroe's calibre. It would also take large amounts of defensive pressure off of Aldridge in the post.
Aldridge has met with the Lakers, Spurs, and the Rockets so far, and is currently meeting with the Phoenix Suns. Sources say that Aldridge will not sign with the Lakers after their presentation was too centered around the extra perks that L.A brings to the table. Sources say that San Antonio has had the best impression on Aldridge so far, with the Rockets in second. Nothing has been said about his meeting with the Suns.