Every NBA team can always use a little more shooting, and there isn’t a more coveted shooter on the buyout market than Wayne Ellington. The former member of the Miami Heat was traded to the Phoenix Suns prior to Thursday’s trade deadline, and it was anticipated that upon clearing waivers, there would be a mad dash among a bevy of teams with postseason aspirations to acquire his services.
Ultimately, Ellington has decided to go in a different direction than some might have expected, as the veteran guard has reportedly committed to joining the Detroit Pistons upon clearing waivers. Word of Ellington’s plan comes via Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.
Guard Wayne Ellington is closing in on a commitment to sign with Detroit, league sources tell ESPN. He will be a free agent once he clears waivers.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 8, 2019
It’s a bit of a curious move for the team, as Detroit traded another veteran sharpshooter when it moved Reggie Bullock to the Los Angeles Lakers for Svi Mykhailiuk. Still, Wojnarowski reports that the Pistons still have postseason aspirations, while Ellington hopes to use this as a way to impress teams heading into the summer.
Shaping up as a significant recruiting victory for Pistons, who want to make playoffs in the East. Ellington will be afforded a role that’ll help showcase him for summer free agency. https://t.co/qapF2zwxMp
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 8, 2019
As big of a win it is for Detroit to bring him on board, it’s an equally big loss for the teams that could use what he provides as a marksman from the perimeter. A career 38 percent shooter from deep, Ellington averaged 8.4 points per game this season and appeared in 25 contests for Miami before his trade to the Suns.
