Monta Ellis will begin the 2017-18 season missing the five first games due to a suspension but he might not be starting with the Indiana Pacers. Following their trade of Paul George, the franchise is facing a dramatic change in direction and instead of climbing up to the top of the Eastern Conference, they are seemingly going back to the lottery.
Going down in the standings means they won’t need veterans like Ellis and with his value seemingly at rock bottom right now, the Pacers are going to look to buy him out by the end of the month.
Following comes from Nate Taylor of the Indianapolis Star.
The Pacers & Monta Ellis, per league sources, are discussing a possible buyout situation. Such a deal could be done later this month.
— Nate Taylor (@ByNateTaylor) July 4, 2017
(UPDATE 7/5/17) The Pacers have waived Monta Ellis, according to Shams Charania.
Indiana has waived guard Monta Ellis, league sources tell The Vertical.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 5, 2017
The 12-year veteran originally signed a four-year, $44 million deal with the Pacers during the 2015 offseason but after two seasons it’s clear he doesn’t have a role with the rebuilding Pacers. He has two seasons left on his contract, fully guaranteed for this upcoming season and a player option for 2018-19.
In two seasons with the Pacers, Ellis’ per game averages hit 11.3 points in 30.5 minutes in 155 regular season games.
