Keeping It Heel
Fansided

UNC Alumni in the NBA: Looking at a few Tar Heel free agents

By Trevor Marks

TORONTO, ON - MAY 07: Danny Green #14 of the Toronto Raptors reacts after sinking a 3 pointer during Game Five of the second round of the 2019 NBA Playoffs against the Philadelphia 76ers at Scotiabank Arena on May 7, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - MAY 07: Danny Green #14 of the Toronto Raptors reacts after sinking a 3 pointer during Game Five of the second round of the 2019 NBA Playoffs against the Philadelphia 76ers at Scotiabank Arena on May 7, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /
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DETROIT, MICHIGAN – FEBRUARY 11: Wayne Ellington #20 of the Detroit Pistons looks on while playing the Washington Wizards during the second half at Little Caesars Arena on February 11, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. Detroit won the game 121-112. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – FEBRUARY 11: Wayne Ellington #20 of the Detroit Pistons looks on while playing the Washington Wizards during the second half at Little Caesars Arena on February 11, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. Detroit won the game 121-112. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

Wayne Ellington 

2018-19 Stats (53 GP): 10.3 ppg, 2.0 rpg, 1.4 apg on .403/.371/.796

Perimeter shooting is in high demand in the NBA, and vet like Wayne Ellington with his shooting pedigree should find a home rather quickly once free agency begins on Sunday evening.

The former UNC marksman experienced a turbulent tenth season, struggling to find a firm place in the Miami Heat rotation as the year wore on despite posting franchise records as a shooter just a season. The Heat ultimately moved on from the 31-year-old Ellington, shipping him and his $6.27 salary to the Phoenix Suns at the trade deadline in what was essentially a pure salary dump. The Suns immediately went on to waive Ellington, who was then quickly snatched up by the Pistons, who had just dealt a similar Carolina marksman in Reggie Bullock and thus needed a serviceable perimeter marksman.

He’d go on to start 26 of his 28 games as a Piston, averaging 12 points and 2.9 three-pointers made per game as the Pistons secured a playoff berth for the first time in a few years.

A return to Detroit could happen, but it’ll depend on cost. With his services in demand, Ellington could field offers ranging from the room exception (~$4.7 million) to a big chunk of the mid-level (~$9 million) as plenty of playoff teams will be willing to pay up for a shooter like him. Settling for a one-year minimum deal is certainly possible, especially if it means that he gets to contend for a championship with someone like the Lakers or Warriors (or whoever else could want him), but it’s more likely that he’ll be fielding competitive offers instead. Middling teams (i.e., New York) will be after him as well, so taking the biggest offer he gets is in play, too.

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