NBA Rumors: Brooklyn Nets Going After Monta Ellis Through Trade with Indiana Pacers?

Jul 21, 2016 11:32 AM EDT

According to new reports, the Indiana Pacers have placed Monta Ellis on the trading block. Although it is not yet clear which team will take him, the Brooklyn Nets seem to be a very likely option.

Earlier this week, NBA insider Steve Kyler tweeted that the Pacers have started shopping around Ellis but have not yet made concrete deals with anyone.

Ellis was only with the Pacers for one year and even though he is a reliable shooting guard, the team may have decided to release them due to its current lineup. As noted by Sportsrageous, there isn't enough room on the Pacers' backcourt. Currently, they have Jeff Teague, Glenn Robinson III, C.J. Miles, Rodney Stuckey and Aaron Brooks on the roster. But aside from these players, franchise star Paul George is also expected to return next season after going through surgery on his lower leg.

With so many shooters on the team, trading Ellis to get another player that could possibly fill a different position in the lineup is certainly a logical move for Indiana.

Given Ellis' overall performance, it probably wouldn't take long before another team signs him. One of the teams that could engage Pacers in a potential trade deal is the Brooklyn franchise.

For one, the team has a lot of cap space to support Ellis. And, even the Nets were able to get some remarkable athletes, such as Jeremy Lin, they weren't able to secure the free agents that they wanted.

With the Nets, the 30-year-old veteran can serve as an effective partner for Lin in the backcourt.

Another team that has been linked to a trade for Ellis are the Houston Rockets. According to Yibada, if the Rockets are serious about getting Ellis, then they might consider offering Trevor Ariza in return.

For now, however, it is not yet certain if the Nets or the Rockets will seriously pursue Ellis. Although he will be a valuable asset to any team, it seems his contract with the Pacers is the once causing franchises to think twice about getting him. That's because Ellis still has three years in his contract and is expected to get $10.7 million next season. For teams, trading to get him means keeping him for a long time.