The Dallas Mavericks will be parting ways with one of their most efficient offensive contributors in guard Monta Ellis who chooses to be a free agent according to one of his agents.
In a report by ESPN, one of Ellis' agents Jeff Fried said "This decision was made because it's in the best interest of Monta. It was more about him taking his future into his own hands."
Ellis had until Wednesday to decide if he chooses to be a free agent or exercise the option included in his three-year, $25 million deal with the Mavs signed before the 2013-2014 season.
If Ellis chose to stay in Dallas he would have made $8.7 million next season.
Despite the 29-year-old's decision to be a free agent, Fried said Ellis playing again for the Mavericks is still a possibility.
"Monta's experience in Dallas was definitely a positive one. The team and the organization had success and Monta grew as a player. A door to return there will always be open," Fried said according to ESPN.
As reported by ESPN, Eastern Conference squads Atlanta Hawks, Miami Heat and Indiana Pacers are interested in Ellis.
Ellis played in 80 games last season leading the Mavs in scoring as he averaged 18.9 points a game helping them reach the first round of the playoffs.
But in a report by ESPN, the Mavericks are not planning on re-signing Ellis whose moodiness affected the team last season.
The report also stated that Dallas plans to use forward Chandler Parsons as a point-forward next season and he wants to have a taller shooting guard which Ellis (6-foot-3) is not and someone who is a threat from three-point range.
That is why the Mavs are looking to sign San Antonio Spurs guard Danny Green or Portland Trail Blazers guard Wesley Matthews who are set to be free agents come July 1.
