It is a move that has been speculated upon for months but looks to be finally coming to pass on Monday, as Chris Broussard of ESPN is reporting that Milwaukee Bucks’ guard Monta Ellis will opt out of the final year of his contract with the team and test free agency.
The 27 year old point guard put up averages of 19.2 points, 6.0 assists, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.1 steals per game for the Bucks last year. However, he shot just 41.6 % from the field, and 28.7 % from beyond the three point line. He played all 82 games, and finished 11th in the NBA in scoring.
Ellis was set to earn $11 million on the final year of his deal, a contract originally signed with the Golden State Warriors. He was acquired in a trade along with Ekpe Udoh in March 2012. Andrew Bogut went to Golden State in the deal.
Ellis had reportedly previously rejected a two year contract extension from the Bucks worth $25 million. The deal was contingent on Ellis not opting out of the final year of his current contract, and would have been a 3 year deal overall.
Ellis adds to a free agent class that includes Chris Paul, Dwight Howard, Josh Smith, and Andre Iguodala, making for a busy summer for NBA General Managers and front office staff. It will also make for a busy summer of rumor reporting, as no doubt numerous reports will come of big name free agents being wooed to join the same team as another big name NBA player.
Ellis can sign a 4 year deal with a new club, or a 5 year deal with Milwaukee, either to stay with the club or in a sign and trade scenario.
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