Report: Mavericks will try to move Ellis if he picks up player option
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The Dallas Mavericks are reportedly looking to sever ties with volume scorer Monta Ellis.
Ellis has until Wednesday to make a decision regarding his player option worth $8.7 million for next season. Ellis is expected to opt out in hopes of a raise, but if he chooses to stay, Dallas will take action, ESPN.com's Tim MacMahon reports.
I'm hearing that Mavs are likely to try to move Monta Ellis in trade if he opts in for final season of contract before tomorrow's deadline.
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) June 23, 2015
Ellis has been a strong player for the Mavericks. He has a tendency to shoot too frequently, but he was tremendously productive, chipping in averages of 19 points, 4.9 assists and three rebounds over his past two seasons while playing 162 out of a possible 164 regular-season games.
However, the Mavericks, as presently constructed, have failed to escape the first round with Ellis as their leading scorer. Reloading with a new cast around Dirk Nowitzki could give Dallas a much-needed spark.
Shedding Ellis's contract would give the Mavericks over $30 million in cap space to chase free agents. That's more than enough to entice rumored targets DeAndre Jordan and LaMarcus Aldridge.
However, dealing Ellis would necessitate finding a replacement. The Mavericks are hopelessly thin at guard, with only Devin Harris and Raymond Felton on board for next season.
Regardless, the point is likely moot, as Ellis will almost assuredly opt out. The 29-year-old shooting guard is a proven slasher who should garner plenty of interest around the league.