5 Potential Landing Spots for Free-Agent Monta Ellis
Potential Landing Spots for Free-Agent Monta Ellis
Monta Ellis has informed the Milwaukee Bucks that he will be opting out of his contract to become an unrestricted free agent. Ellis is now free to sign with any team in the NBA. Some people think that he will have a hard time getting more money than the $11 million he turned down from the Bucks, but with there being many potential suitors for the high scoring guard, I think Ellis could easily end up with more than the $11 million he could have received from Milwaukee.
Even though there are worries with Ellis when it comes to other parts of his game, the guy can definitely put the ball in the hole. During his seven-year career with the Bucks and Golden State Warriors, Ellis has a career scoring average of 19.4 points per game. With his outstanding outside shooting and his great ability to drive to the hoop, there is no denying that Ellis can score.
There is always a premium being put on players who can score points. It is not every day that you can go out and sign a player that will average around 20 points a game for you. There are a ton of teams in the NBA who appear to be an elite scorer away from being a serious contender. I think these teams will help drive up the price for Ellis this offseason.
Whether they are already contenders or are teams looking to get over that hump, I think that there will be plenty of interest in Ellis this offseason. If he can get more than what he would have gotten to stay in Milwaukee, then the move is an obvious success for Ellis, who apparently was not happy with the Bucks. I think there will be a wide array of teams looking into Ellis; here are five potential landing spots for the sharpshooter.
Daniel is a writer for www.RantSports.com. He also contributes to TotalSportsBlog.com. Follow him on Twitter @D_Schmelzer and add him to your network on Google.
Atlanta Hawks
With a ton of money coming off of the books, the Atlanta Hawks are in a great position to buy this offseason. They will surely be chasing Chris Paul and Dwight Howard, but if they cannot land one of those guys, they will be going after the next tier of free-agents, which includes Ellis, who would be a great fit in Atlanta, as he would probably be the best scoring option on the team.
Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers have already been connected to Ellis. If the Lakers lose out on Howard, they will have the cap space to sign a guy like Ellis. I just wonder if one ball is enough to go around with Ellis and Kobe Bryant on the court at the same time.
Milwaukee Bucks
It is starting to look unlikely, but I am not ruling out Ellis returning to the Bucks just yet. He forms an impressive backcourt duo with Brandon Jennings that helped the Bucks reach the playoffs this past season. Ellis will probably try to look for other options, but if Milwaukee wants him and offers the most money, I think he would return.
Phoenix Suns
The Phoenix Suns are in desperate need of a number one scoring option. They are not a team that is close to competing, but I think Ellis would be a piece that would make them much closer than they are right now. This team needs a face for the franchise. Ellis could be that guy.
Portland Trail Blazers
Monta Ellis would form an incredible backcourt duo with the reigning NBA Rookie of the year Damon Lillard, if he were to sign with the Portland Trail Blazers. Couple that duo with LaMarcus Aldridge and Myers Leonard down low, and the Blazers would appear to be very close to being a force to reckon with in the Western Conference.
