The Phoenix Suns are reportedly interested in signing restricted free agent Greg Monroe to pair the 24-year-old power forward with emerging star point guard Eric Bledsoe.

NBC Sports Radio's Jordan Schultz reported that the Suns are preparing an offer sheet to Monroe, who averaged 15.2 points to go along with 9.3 rebounds per game last season.

The Detroit Pistons have the right to match any offer to Monroe, but the Suns could make the Pistons think twice by offering a lucrative deal. Sources said that the Suns might offer an expensive deal then sign Bledsoe to a maximum contract, or near that level, to improve the team greatly for next season's run.

"Hearing Suns may be considering a Greg Monroe offer. They have space to get both him and Bledsoe but would lose cap flexibility long-term," Schultz posted on Twitter.

The Pistons, who are considering matching any offer to Monroe this summer, appear to be more open to parting ways with the four-year veteran.

According to Yahoo Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski, the Pistons were previously unwilling to engage in potential sign-and-trade deals for Monroe, but they appear more willing over the past several days.

"The Pistons have been willing to engage teams in sign-and-trade scenarios for Monroe, but those talks have gained little traction, sources said," Wojnarowski said.

However, acquiring Monroe won't be a guarantee that Bledsoe will return to the Suns next season after previous negotiations between Phoenix and the 24-year-old went down.

The Suns reportedly offered a four-year deal worth $48 million, but Bledsoe, who averaged 17.7 points to go along with 5.5 assists and 4.7 rebounds per game last season, is demanding for a maximum five-year, $80 million deal from the Suns.

The former Kentucky standout has been drawing interest from several teams, including the Los Angeles Lakers, who are reportedly ready to offer a contract near the maximum level. The Lakers will have to facilitate a sign-and-trade, though, which is reportedly a likely option because the Suns are interested in Jordan Hill's expiring deal.

"Hearing that Lakers are willing to go close to max for Eric Bledsoe. Kobe loves his game. Suns like Jordan Hill and his tradability next year," Schultz said.

The Milwaukee Bucks are also exploring a sign-and-trade for Bledsoe, but Basketball Insiders' Jabari Davis reported that the Suns are not interested in any of Milwaukee's tradable assets.

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