Report: Talks between Pacers, Ellis 'gathering traction'; meeting Wednesday
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Monta Ellis could have it all in Indianapolis.
Talks between the Indiana Pacers and the free-agent shooting guard are "gathering traction," according to Yahoo Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski.
Larry Bird has been determined to secure Monta Ellis, and Pacers pushing hard to close a deal with him, league sources tell Yahoo.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) July 1, 2015
The deal being discussed is for three years and over $32 million, Wojnarowski writes.
Ellis, who will turn 30 in late October, opted out of the final year of his contract with the Dallas Mavericks, which would have paid him $8.7 million. If the Pacers are offering eight figures on an annual salary, Ellis appears to have made the prudent decision.
The Pacers are taking free agent guard Monta Ellis to dinner tonight, sources said. Ellis is expected to decide on Indiana's offer afterward
— Marc J. Spears (@SpearsNBAYahoo) July 1, 2015
The Pacers aren't the only team pursuing Ellis, who can bring secondary ball-handling and a nose for scoring to any offense. Ellis has been linked all over the place and stands as one of the more difficult free agents to predict a landing place for.
In addition to Pacers, the Hawks, Nuggets and Kings calling on Monta Ellis, source says. With Dwyane Wade in limbo, Heat could be factor.
— Ken Berger (@KBergCBS) July 1, 2015
The 10-year veteran averaged 18.9 points, 4.1 assists, and 2.4 rebounds in 80 games last season, shooting 44.5 percent from the field. While he lacks a 3-point shot - he's a 31.4 percent career outside shooter - pairing him with a point guard with a jumper could be deadly, allowing a team to horizontally stretch the floor with dual pick-and-roll threats.
The Pacers could play Ellis alongside George Hill, with Ellis carving through the defense off-ball in some cases and Hill spotting up around Ellis in others.
A serious ironman - he missed two games this season, the first time he'd sat out since 2011-12 - Ellis ranks sixth in the NBA in minutes played since 2006-07 and seventh in total points scored.
The Pacers are also said to seriously want Rodney Stuckey back, though it's probably a one-or-the-other scenario.