Pacers Aggressivley Seeking to Sign Monta Ellis
By Dave McKee
It has been stated all offseason that the Pacers want to play smaller and faster. With the departure of David West a locker room leader and former starting power forward, many pundits have said that a power forward is the greatest need.
Bird said the #Pacers went into the draft thinking to take a big. Was high on Trey Lyles but knowing that PG was playing 4, it was Turner
— Candace Buckner (@CandaceDBuckner) June 26, 2015
However, with Paul George likely sliding into the 4 spot the pacers will need additional help on the perimeter. The first target Larry Bird and Frank Vogel have their sights set on Monta Ellis, whose 2-year stint with the Dallas Mavericks has come to an end.
Apr 2, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Monta Ellis (11) sets the play against the Houston Rockets during the game at the American Airlines Center. The Rockets defeated the Mavericks 108-101. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Ellis, currently 29, is an undersized shooting guard at 6-3 175 lbs. if he is added to the backcourt alongside George Hill and C.J. Miles he is a potential upgrade from Rodney Stuckey who departed for free agency. Ellis led the Mavericks in scoring last season with 18.9 ppg. Yahoo! Sports’ Adrian Wojnarowski reports:
"Free-agent guard Monta Ellis is engaged in serious talks on a possible three-year, $32 million-plus deal with the Indiana Pacers, league sources told Yahoo Sports.Ellis has a scheduled trip into Indianapolis on Wednesday to meet with the Pacers’ front-office and coaching staffs, league sources told Yahoo Sports.Indiana president Larry Bird and coach Frank Vogel want to play smaller and faster next season, and luring Ellis is an important part of the Pacers’ plan. Ellis, 29, has played the past two seasons with the Dallas Mavericks, averaging 18.9 points and 4.1 assists last season."
Other potential suitors for Ellis include Sacramento, Miami and Atlanta. According to Bleacher Report’s Adam Wells:
"Indiana, Sacramento and Atlanta are small-market clubs not prone to massive spending sprees in free agency. Miami has spent big in the past, but it will be looking to take care of its own free agents, Dwyane Wade and Goran Dragic, before supplementing its roster.Ellis will attempt to increase the $8.7 million salary he declined from the Mavericks by opting out, and he’s likely to be successful in doing so. He’s a capable scoring alternative for teams that aren’t able to spend on top-tier free agents."
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