NBA Free Agency 2013: Top 5 Landing Spots For Monta Ellis
Top 5 Potential Landing Spots For Monta Ellis
On Monday afternoon, Monta Ellis made the decision to opt out of the final year of his contract with the Milwaukee Bucks.
Ellis' decision certainly didn't come as much of a shock, especially considering the fact that he reportedly declined an extension offer from the Bucks just last week. Milwaukee offered a three year deal to Ellis, but he opted against it. According to Monday's news, Ellis did inform the Bucks of his most recent decision to leave the team and test the free agent market. Now while Ellis can still be option for the Bucks -- there are surely better situations that he can pursue.
Speaking of those situations, who's in line to make a play at Ellis this off-season. Free agency officially begins on July 1, so there's a few weeks for Ellis to weigh some of the odds. Obviously he can't be in contact with teams until that date arrives, but there's no denying the fact that he probably has a few destinations in mind.
Without further ado, let's take a look at the top five potential landing spots for Ellis this summer:
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No. 5- Portland Trail Blazers
The Portland Trail Blazers are in need of a shooting guard. There are rumors that they are interested in trading up from the No. 10 pick to target Victor Oladipo, but if they cannot do so, Ellis could surely be an option that fits a need.
No. 4- Phoenix Suns
The Phoenix Suns are also in need of a shooting guard and if they can't acquire a youthful scorer in the draft, Ellis will surely be on the team's radar this summer.
No. 3- Dallas Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks have a plan in place to target both Chris Paul and Dwight Howard, but what if they opt to go elsewhere. Ellis surely fits into the Mavericks' back-up plan, so this is definitely an option.
No. 2- Atlanta Hawks
The Atlanta Hawks have money and cap space this summer, so options are aplenty. They'd like to acquire both Chris Paul and Dwight Howard, but there are no guarantees. Ellis could be in the discussion.
No. 1- Sacramento Kings
Ellis has a great relationship with newly appointed Sacramento Kings head coach Mike Malone. It could be the tipping point to sway Ellis to the west coast, so the Kings are the front runners for the time being.
