Pacers Sign Monta Ellis Despite the Kings Efforts
By Dave McKee
Dec 10, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers president Larry Bird watches as the Pacers play against the Los Angeles Clippers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Los Angeles Clippers defeat the Indiana Pacers 103-96. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Monta Ellis: ‘Dinner With The President’ …of Basketball Operations
The 10-year veteran had dinner with Team Executive Larry Bird, GM Kevin Pritchard, and head coach Frank Vogel last night. After a two-hour meeting both sides departed without making a decision.
From what I understand, a potential Ellis deal w/ #Pacers isn’t imminent. Tonight is “just a meeting to see if they’re on the same page."
— Candace Buckner (@CandaceDBuckner) July 1, 2015
Historically, for the Pacers, wine and dine meetings such as these have had high closing rate. The one recent exception being Lance Stephenson‘s dine-and-dash (to Charlotte) a year ago. Most early face-to-face meetings do not exclusively end in a deal. Many free agent candidates prefer to mull over the decision because of the other competing offers they receive. However, with 30 free agents signed on the first day of the free agency period there was some cause for concern when the two sides parted without an agreement.
Happening now: #Pacers contingent of Larry Bird, Frank Vogel, Kevin Pritchard have arrived for dinner w/ top free agent target Monta Ellis
— Candace Buckner (@CandaceDBuckner) July 1, 2015
No update on Monta Ellis other than the dinner has concluded. Meeting with #Pacers lasted just under two hours.
— Candace Buckner (@CandaceDBuckner) July 1, 2015