Dallas Mavericks: Could the Mavericks give a training camp invite to Monta Ellis?

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PORTLAND, OR – DECEMBER 7: Dallas Mavericks shooting guard Monta Ellis (11) drives past Portland Trail Blazers point guard Damian Lillard (0) during the Dallas Mavericks 108-106 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers at the Moda Center on December 7, 2013 in Portland, Oregon. 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 Chris Elise/Getty Images) /

The Dallas Mavericks have added two guards through free agency in the summer of 2019. NBA training camps will start in late September, but could the Mavs invite their former double-digit scorer Monta Ellis?

Recently reported, former Dallas Mavericks player Monta Ellis is attempting to make a comeback to the NBA. The former second-round pick by the Golden State Warriors has been unemployed by the league since the 2016-2017 season and is showcasing his skills for a roster spot this coming year. During the Las Vegas Summer League at the beginning of July, Ellis and fellow ex-NBA player Amar’e Stoudemire held a private workout for at least five undisclosed teams.

In the NBA, teams are allowed to carry up to a total of 20 players into training camp including players with partially or non-guaranteed contracts and two-way contracts. As of right now, the Mavericks have Kostas Antetokounmpo and Daryl Macon who are 21 and 23 years old on those two-way slots. But, those can change at any time without penalty.

Monta Ellis’ last contract was signed with the Indiana Pacers on July 12th of 2015 for four years, $44 million. Having only fulfilled two years of that contract, the Indiana Pacers used the stretch waive provision on the two years left on the deal.

Currently, Ellis is counting an average of $2.5 million of dead money against the Pacers cap through the 2021-2022 season. A Monta Ellis’ potential return to the Mavericks depends on a similar situation.

Having yet to stretch waive Courtney Lee‘s expiring contract, the Mavericks have one active roster spot open. The Dallas Mavericks have until August 31st to make the decision of stretch waiving the backup shooting guard and pay the remainder of the salary over the next few years in an installment plan.

If they decide to let that deadline pass then look for the Mavericks to continue to find a trade partner or take him into the season at the trade deadline in 2020. That would hinder the chances of a reunion, especially with rookie Josh Reaves playing so well in the summer league and Isaiah Roby fresh out of the 2019 draft.

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