After opting out of his contract with the Dallas Mavericks, it didn’t take long for Monta Ellis to find a new home.
Ellis spent the last two years with the Dallas Mavericks averaging 18.9 points and 4.1 assists per outing, and was one of the vital cogs under coach Rick Carlisle’s high-screen game.
But now at 29, Ellis may be looking to hike his pay check and opting out was expected. One he did, the Mavs did mention that they don’t plan to re-sign Ellis which meant the 40th overall pick from the 2005 Draft Class was free to negotiate with teams.
Had Ellis opted in, he would have had a guaranteed $8.7 million with the Mavs. And as fate would have it, his move proved to be a rewarding one.
Ellis had talks with two teams, the Sacramento Kings and the Indiana Pacers. Both had more than generous offers with the Kings offering him the higher package at $48 million.
In the end, however, Ellis opted for the Indiana Pacers’ offer of $44 million for four years which includes a player option to return to the free agent market after his third year.
Both Ellis and the Pacers have verbally agreed to the four year deal but the contract can only be signed by July 9.
The addition of Ellis would be perfect to the plans of the Pacers to go small and play a fast tempo brand of basketball, not to mention provide additional firepower coming from the backcourt.
Choosing the offer of Indiana Pacers over the Sacramento Kings was made due to accessibility and convenience. Moving to Indiana makes it feasible for Monta to visit his family since it is nearer the hometown of his wife Juanika who lives in Memphis, Tennessee.
"This is absolutely the best fit for Monta on the court and Monta's family off the court and in all circumstances involving a young family,'' said Jeff Fried, Ellis' agent via ESPN. "Our goal was to have the entire family unit come out winners on this deal and that is what we believe we accomplished."
Ellis’ coming to the Pacers will also allow him to play alongside one of the current stars in the NBA – the returning Paul George. Their combo should address the offensive shortcomings of the team last year as well as coach Frank Vogel’s need for another scorer and court general.
With word that Pacers president Larry Bird and the Pacers are planning to pick up the pace for next season, could Ellis be used as a two-guard as well?
Being the scorer that he is, it may be possible on certain situations. But if Vogel does resort to that, a cause for concern would be his defense.
Ellis has not been known be a defensive wiz and at 6-foot-3, the 10-year NBA veteran could be up against mismatches when opposing teams use taller off guards.
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