Monta Ellis (Photo : Getty Images)
The Boston Celtics could look to add another scoring option in their roster and may consider trading for Indiana Pacers shooting guard Monta Ellis, one of the few veterans available in the trade market.
The Celtics have constructed a promising roster after signing All-Star center Al Horford this summer in a move that could see Boston increase their chances to contend for a title. However, it is no secret that the Celtics are still looking for other pieces to solidify their stance as a threat to any teams in the league.
After striking out at potential blockbuster deals that include Russell Westbrook and Blake Griffin, the Celtics could look for an alternative, someone cheaper and easier to acquire. According to Evan Massey of the Inquisitr, one possible target the Celtics should ponder about is Indiana Pacers shooting guard Monta Ellis.
Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders have claimed that the Pacers attempted to shop Ellis this summer, but there was "little interest" from teams. The Celtics could be one of those teams with few very few fondness of trading for Ellis, but such move could be a possibility now that the C's top targets are out of reach.
In Massey's trade scenario, the Celtics would send the likes of Avery Bradley and Marcus Smart, key players that the Pacers are likely to ask for in a potential deal. Swapping Bradley alone could work, but a more realistic transaction would be a package of Bradley and Smart for Ellis, a deal that works on ESPN's trade machine.
"More than likely, Bird would be looking to bring in a replacement at the shooting guard position. He could ask for Avery Bradley, although that doesn't seem to be a terribly likely option. Marcus Smart might be the most likely trade chip that the Pacers could have an interest in acquiring," Massey wrote.
Ellis would provide the Celtics another scorer and ball-handler who could take off pressure from lead point guard Isaiah Thomas. Bringing in Ellis, who averaged 13.8 points and 4.7 assists per game last season, would also create a dynamic backcourt with Thomas, giving the team two capable playmakers and outside threats.
It is unclear whether the Celtics have a genuine interest in trading for Ellis, who is coming off a disappointing season with the Pacers and posting the lowest scoring average since his rookie season with the Golden State Warriors.
The Pacers are also expected to keep hold of Ellis and see what he can do playing alongside Jeff Teague and Rodney Stuckey. But if the Celtics could come up with an enticing package, Indiana may consider moving the 30-year-old immediately.
