According to Tim Bontemps of The New York Post, the Brooklyn Nets have agreed to a one-year, $1.5 million deal with sharpshooting guard Wayne Ellington, who played for the Los Angeles Lakers last season.
Wayne Ellington’s deal for this year is for $1.5 million, according to league sources. Nets used most of the remainder of their mini MLE.
— Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) July 9, 2015
Broooooooklynnnnnn!!! Let’s get it!
— Wayne Ellington (@WayneElli22) July 9, 2015
Signing Ellington for under $2 million is an excellent pickup for the Nets, who find themselves financially handicap after re-signing Thaddeus Young and Brook Lopez to large deals earlier in free agency. Ellington is a strong shooter (37% from three last season, 38% for his career) and Brooklyn is in dire need of some greater accuracy from downtown, as they shot only 33% from behind the arc as a team last season, which was 5th worse in the NBA.
Ellington, who lost his father this past season to a senseless murder in Philadelphia, was gracious in his exit from Lakers Nation, extending his appreciation for their unwavering support during his unexpected hardship.
I appreciate the Lakers organization and fans for all the love and support this past season thru one of the hardest times in life. #respect
— Wayne Ellington (@WayneElli22) July 9, 2015
Ellington, 27, was selected by the Minnesota Timberwolves with the 28th pick in the 2009 NBA Draft. In addition to Minnesota and Los Angeles, Ellington has played for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Memphis Grizzlies and Dallas Mavericks. He averaged 10 points and 3.2 rebounds per game last season for the Lakers.
