UNC in the NBA: What players could be moved at the trade deadline?

Wayne Ellington, SG, Miami Heat

A season removed from averaging 11.2 points and 2.9 three-pointers per game across 77 regular season showings for the Miami Heat, it seems like the 6-foot-5 sharpshooter has fallen out of favor with coach Erik Spoelstra.

After establishing two regular-season records — an NBA record for threes made in a reserve role (206+) and a franchise record for threes made (227) — it was presumed that Pat Riley and co. would bring Ellington back into the fold for another playoff run. A July signing indicated that Ellington would, in fact, be brought back, but as it would turn out, his role was far from guaranteed.

Ellington began the 2018-19 season with a similar bench role as last season, playing approximately 22 minutes per game through the first few months of the season. Yet, the past two months have put the guard’s future with the Heat in question, as he’s starred in only eight games over the past two months, and 25 of a possible 52 games throughout the entire season.

With averages of 8.4 points, 1.6 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.2 steals per game, the former Tar Heel is still capable of contributing to a playoff team in a limited role. Considering his shaky standing within the Heat rotation, as well as the inseparable salary cap implications that come with keeping him on the roster (Ellington is owed $6.3 million this season and Miami is currently a tax team), a move would arguably be beneficial to both sides.

According to ESPN’s Zach Lowe, a move — or, at the very least, the search for one — should be expected:

"“Given their glut of rotation guys — Wayne Ellington, essential last season, was out of the rotation until recently — I’d expect Miami to try to recoup at least a second-round pick for someone who isn’t playing as much as he’d like.”"

At 31 years old, Ellington still has plenty left in the tank for another playoff run. If a team in need of extra shooting on the wing — be it the Lakers, Pistons, Pacers, or Nuggets — deems him a necessary addition, then they should freely give up a second-round pick for his services. He’s worth it.