Monta Ellis is on the move, again.
The 27-year-old point guard has informed the Milwaukee Bucks that he will be opting out of the final year of his contract to test the free-agent market, league sources told ESPN’s Chris Broussard.
Ellis, who averaged a team-high 19.2 points per game, reportedly turned down a two-year contract extension worth $24 million that would require him to not opt out of the last year of his current contract.
Ellis instantly becomes one of the most sought-after free agents this summer and is already drawing the interest of the Atlanta Hawks, Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers. The former Golden State Warrior shot only 41.6 percent from the field this season, his lowest since his rookie campaign, but has proven to be a lethal offensive weapon throughout his career on any given night.
Ellis is very good friends with Lakers center Dwight Howard, who is also a free agent, but the move to L.A. for Ellis is unlikely because it would have to come via sign-and-trade. Phoenix could also potentially serve as Ellis’ new home, as the Suns have tons of cap room to dish out a hefty contract to the star point guard. However, Ellis will be entering his ninth year in the league and will most likely want to go to a team that can contend for a championship.
With Ellis as the latest addition to an already star-studded free-agent pool, look for some teams to try and create their own rendition of Miami’s Big Three.
