HoopsHype.com Rumors

Monta Ellis expected by many teams to give strong consideration to opting in for next season at $11 million despite the longstanding presumption in Brewtown that he's determined to opt out. ESPN.com

Milwaukee Bucks, Free Agency, Monta Ellis 

That'll be the summertime decision facing J.J. Redick, Monta Ellis and Brandon Jennings. The three-guard rotation has been making noise lately, connecting quickly together for the Bucks. They've each found a way to bond peacefully and elevate the Bucks into playoff territory in the East. They also share something else in common: They can walk in July as free agents. They can enhance the perception of Milwaukee as a nice place to make your name but no place to stay and waste your fame. "It's a tricky situation for us," said John Hammond, the general manager. "It's something we're going to have to work our way through. We'll address it when the time comes and hopefully we'll have some good results." SportsonEarth

Milwaukee Bucks, Free Agency, Monta Ellis, Brandon Jennings, John Hammond 

But Ellis is still aggressive and feisty and not afraid of the big moment, and will only be 28 next season. In the right situation he can average in the high teens and cause migraines for a defense. In that sense, Ellis would make an ideal complimentary scorer to, say, Dirk Nowitzki, or maybe even a perfect sixth man if he'd agree to that role. "He's carried our team, in terms of continuing to compete at a very high level," Hammond said. "He makes us better." SportsonEarth

Milwaukee Bucks, Free Agency, Monta Ellis, John Hammond 

So it's up to Redick, Ellis and Jennings to make Milwaukee a destination, and also up to Kohl. He almost sold the Bucks to Michael Jordan five years ago. Maybe Kohl's biggest sell is convincing big-name free agents to consider the Bucks. Will any take Kohl's money? They haven't yet. Would you? We'll see in the next few summers. "We have flexibility," Hammond said. "We're not going to have any tax implications. We feel comfortable where we're at. Senator Kohl will do what's necessary to win games." SportsonEarth

Milwaukee Bucks, Free Agency, Monta Ellis, Brandon Jennings, John Hammond 

Monta Ellis of the Milwaukee Bucks and and the Denver Nuggets' Ty Lawson were named Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week, respectively, for games played Monday, Feb. 25 through Sunday, March 3. Ellis led the Bucks to a 3-0 week with averages of 24 points (sixth in the conference), 9 assists (fourth in the conference) and a league-leading 5 steals. Ellis had back-to-back six-steal games in road victories vs. the Dallas Mavericks on Feb. 26, and the Houston Rockets on Feb. 27. In the win vs. the Rockets, Ellis, who led all scorers with 27 points, hit an off-balance three-pointer just before the final buzzer to secure the win. USA Today Sports

Denver Nuggets, Milwaukee Bucks, Monta Ellis, Ty Lawson 

The Hawks wanted to trade Josh Smith to Milwaukee on deadline day. They fully expected to, frankly. But Atlanta, from the start, wanted Monta Ellis back from Milwaukee. The only Buck with long-term money they were willing to take back instead, according to sources close to the process, was Ersan Ilyasova. ESPN.com

Atlanta Hawks, Milwaukee Bucks, Trade, Monta Ellis, Josh Smith, Ersan Ilyasova 

Some league sources believe Ellis wants to join a contender this summer. Ellis has only made the playoffs once in his career, and it was during the 2006-07 season when he was still coming off of the bench for the Golden State Warriors. He has had plenty of individual success and impressive statistics, but he wants to experience the postseason and have the opportunity to perform on the league’s biggest stage. HoopsWorld

Milwaukee Bucks, Free Agency, Monta Ellis 

The Milwaukee Bucks' guard duo of Brandon Jennings and Monta Ellis are featured in the NBA's newest "BIG" advertising spot. The video is a spoof on Milwaukee's famous duo from the late 1970s, TV icons Laverne & Shirley, set to the background music "Making Our Dreams Come True." Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel

Milwaukee Bucks, Monta Ellis, Brandon Jennings, Media 

Charles F. Gardner: Monta Ellis was never part of Bucks trade discussions regarding Josh Smith, according to source. Twitter @cf_gardner

Atlanta Hawks, Milwaukee Bucks, Trade, Monta Ellis, Josh Smith 

Ken Berger: A possible Bucks deal for Josh Smith is "unlikely" to include Monta Ellis, league source tells @CBSSports. As of now, no deal in place. Twitter @KBergCBS

Atlanta Hawks, Milwaukee Bucks, Trade, Monta Ellis, Josh Smith 

Chris Broussard: Sources insist Bucks not trading Monta Ellis to ATL in JSmith deal Twitter @Chris_Broussard

Atlanta Hawks, Milwaukee Bucks, Trade, Monta Ellis, Josh Smith 

Ken Berger: Remember, Bucks' pursuit of Redick based on scenario where Monta Ellis is sent to Atlanta as part of proposed Smith deal. Twitter @KBergCBS

Atlanta Hawks, Golden State Warriors, Milwaukee Bucks, Monta Ellis, Ken Berger 

Adrian Wojnarowski: Hawks, Bucks seriously talking on Josh Smith deal, sources tell Y! Monta Ellis, Ekpe Udoh among players discussed for Smith, Devin Harris. Twitter @WojYahooNBA

Atlanta Hawks, Milwaukee Bucks, Trade, Monta Ellis, Devin Harris, Josh Smith, Ekpe Udoh 

Milwaukee would appear to be the most likely destination for Smith entering deadline day, but it remains to seen whether the Bucks will ultimately be willing to part with guard Monta Ellis, whom Atlanta has targeted as the primary player it wants from them. ESPN.com

Atlanta Hawks, Milwaukee Bucks, Trade, Monta Ellis, Josh Smith 

The Bucks will look to unload Monta Ellis, but a source anticipated the Hawks might want a trade package to also include Larry Sanders who is one of the most improved players in the NBA this season. CSNNE.com

Atlanta Hawks, Milwaukee Bucks, Trade, Monta Ellis, Larry Sanders 

Gery Woelfel: Told by good source Josh Smith would play for Bucks even if Ellis isn't still on team. Twitter @GeryWoelfel

Atlanta Hawks, Milwaukee Bucks, Trade, Monta Ellis, Josh Smith 

The Bucks are considering putting Monta Ellis in a deal for Smith. There is some concern that Ellis will opt out of the final year of his $11 million deal and go where he wants in free agency. But, that's serious money to walk away from, and it's unlikely Ellis walks away from that for a long term deal. Ellis, 27, can collect $11 million next season, and still get the similar long-term deal starting with the 2014-15 season. USA Today Sports

Milwaukee Bucks, Trade, Monta Ellis, Josh Smith 

ESPN.com reported Tuesday that Monta Ellis is the primary player Atlanta is targeting in its discussion with Milwaukee. Sources say that the Hawks, furthermore, want Milwaukee to add at least one expiring contract to the equation with Ellis and possibly take on some salary. ESPN.com

Atlanta Hawks, Milwaukee Bucks, Trade, Monta Ellis 

Chris Broussard: Bucks willing to move Ellis bc he turned down Milwaukee's 2-yr contract extension. Ellis wanted to play out the season. Twitter @Chris_Broussard

Milwaukee Bucks, Trade, Monta Ellis 

Some league sources believe Ellis is going to want to join a contender this summer because he’s tired of playing for losing teams. Ellis has only made the playoffs once in his career, and it was during the 2006-07 season when he was still coming off of the bench for the Golden State Warriors. He has had plenty of individual success and impressive statistics, but he wants to experience the postseason and have the opportunity to perform on the league’s big stage. HoopsWorld

Milwaukee Bucks, Free Agency, Monta Ellis