Monta Ellis (Photo : NBAE via Getty Images)
Monta Ellis could be traded this season as part of the Indiana Pacers move of retooling their roster to become strong contenders in the league.
There are plenty of speculations about Monta Ellis getting traded within this year after the Pacers attempted to "dump" the 30-year-old guard during the offseason. Ellis, who 13.8 points and 4.7 assists for the Pacers last season, is suddenly becoming the odd man out in Indiana after the team traded for Jeff Teague and brought Aaron Brooks via free agency.
The Pacers, according to Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders, tried to shop Ellis during the heat of free agency last month, but found "little interest" from other teams. But that is not to say that no NBA club would consider adding Ellis, especially if the first half the season won't go according to the teams' respective plans.
It is unclear whether the Pacers would truly pull the trigger in dealing Ellis, but should they push through on such move, here are teams that may consider exploring a deal for the veteran guard.
Monta Ellis to Houston Rockets
Ellis would fit well playing for the Rockets and Mike D'Antoni's fast-paced offense. The Rockets are already loaded with scorers after the team signed Ryan Anderson and Eric Gordon, to go along with James Harden. But for D'Antoni's schemes to be effective, he would need to have a guard who can wreak havoc on the open court.
The fit in terms of playing style isn't there as Ellis would also likely require the ball in his hands to play well. But if the Rockets deem outscoring opponents is the key for them to win games, Ellis is an option worth considering.
Monta Ellis to Minnesota Timberwolves
The Timberwolves are stacked with young talents, but relatively thin at the shooting guard position. Bringing in Ellis would add depth at the team's backcourt and would provide another veteran presence to the Wolves' core of youngsters.
However, with Kris Dunn and Zach Lavine poised to earn major minutes under Tom Thibodeau, there is little chance Ellis recaptures his effectiveness playing in Minny.
Monta Ellis to Philadelphia 76ers
Ellis joining the 76ers seem the most ideal move for both teams, with Philadelphia also looking to unload one of their big men to address their crowded frontcourt.
The best way for the 76ers to maximize Ben Simmons' playmaking skills is to surround him with shooters and reliable scorers. Ellis would not only be an added shooter to the 76ers, but could also play as an off-guard to take some pressure off Simmons handling the ball.
A deal involving Jahlil Okafor or Nerlens Noel should do the trick, although it is unlikely Philly would want Ellis alone in exchange for one of their young big men.
Monta Ellis to Boston Celtics
It is no secret that the Celtics are looking to add an All-Star caliber player to solidify their stance as a threat to any teams in the league. With main targets like Russell Westbrook and Blake Griffin out of the equation, Ellis is a cheaper and attainable option the Celtics may consider.
Ellis to Boston would create a dynamic backcourt duo with Isaiah Thomas, and possibly a second option on the offensive end. It remains to be seen whether the Celtics have a genuine interest in acquiring Ellis, but with plenty of tradable assets in their hands, it would be for Boston to lure the veteran guard.
Monta Ellis to Cleveland Cavaliers
There is a growing sense the Cavs would consider several options to retool and catchup with super-teams in the league, particularly the Golden State Warriors. While the Cavs were able to retain LeBron James, they lost key players to free agency and could even lose JR Smith, who remains unsigned by the team.
Ellis would be a game-changing acquisition for the Cavs and would give Kyrie Irving a solid backup at the PG Spot. Ellis' ability to push the ball and finish at the fastbreak suits the Cavs' game well, and forming an offensive firepower backcourt tandem with Irving could be deadly for other teams.
The Cavs still have a strong starting lineup, but adding Ellis would surely help them repeat as champions.
