HoopsHype.com Rumors

The Cavs’ most prominent free agents are guards Wayne Ellington and Shaun Livingston and center Marreese Speights. The Cavs would like to sign Ellington. That means presenting him a qualifying offer of $3 million. It’s not as easy with Speights. It appears as if they hope he opts out of his deal. He might not fit their culture. Livingston emerged as a top-notch backup point — not quite as good as Golden State’s Jarrett Jack — but still a quality guard, nonetheless. He’ll likely ask for $3 million or $4 million, and settle for something like $2 million or $2.5 million, a source said. Morning Journal

Cleveland Cavaliers, Free Agency, Shaun Livingston, Wayne Ellington, Marreese Speights 

The Cavs will offer Wayne Ellington (a restricted free agent) some type of contract for next season. Ellington is averaging 10.4 points and shooting .437 (.370 on 3-pointers) in 23 minutes per game for the Cavs. They also will be pleased if Mo Speights accepts his player option of $4.5 million for next season. Speights also could pass, and become an unrestricted free agent. The Cavs will see what kind of offers he attracts on the open market. Cleveland Plain Dealer

Cleveland Cavaliers, Free Agency, Wayne Ellington 

With 2:57 to go in the second, Williams brought the ball upcourt and blew past Cavs guard Wayne Ellington with ease. From there, the Cavs defense parted like the Red Sea, allowing Williams to glide to the basket and slam the ball home. “I didn’t really plan it,” Williams said with a smile afterward. “It’s just something that happened.” New York Post

Cleveland Cavaliers, Brooklyn Nets, Deron Williams, Wayne Ellington 

Cavs guard Wayne Ellington has made an impact. He’ll be a restricted free agent after this year. This is his third team in his four years in the NBA. The Cavs might want to sign him in free agency. “It’s a business,” he said. “We’ll see. I’m happy to be here.” Morning Journal

Cleveland Cavaliers, Free Agency, Wayne Ellington 

My guess is the Cavs will likely offer shooting guard Wayne Ellington a contract similar to what Alonzo Gee got last fall — three years, $9.75 million. The Cavs will almost assuredly give him a qualifying offer of about $3.1 million, which will make him restricted. News-Herald

Cleveland Cavaliers, Wayne Ellington, Alonzo Gee 

These Grizzlies aren't the Lakers, and they don't get a lot of chances at making a deep playoff run. They could've hung in there for this season, but instead bailed on it. Across the NBA, front offices were incredulous with the way that Memphis unloaded Marreese Speights, Wayne Ellington and Josh Selby, along with a future first-round pick, in a salary dump to Cleveland last week. Several league executives insisted Memphis could've waited until closer to the deadline, traded the parts individually and, minimally, received returns on Speights and Ellington. "Beyond a panic move," one Eastern Conference GM said. "Cleveland would always be there with that deal." Yahoo! Sports

Cleveland Cavaliers, Memphis Grizzlies, Trade, Wayne Ellington, Marreese Speights, Josh Selby 

The Memphis Grizzlies acquired forward Jon Leuer (LOO-er) and a trade exception from the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for forward/center Marreese Speights, guards Wayne Ellington and Josh Selby and a protected future first round draft pick, Grizzlies General Manager and Vice President of Basketball Operations Chris Wallace announced. Currently in his second professional season, Leuer (6-10, 228) recorded 19.5 points, 12.3 rebounds and 1.8 assists on .512 shooting (.467 3FG) in 36.5 minutes in eight games (seven starts) for Cleveland’s exclusively-owned NBA Development League team, the Canton Charge. The 23-year-old also has made nine appearances for the Cavaliers this season, averaging 2.4 points in 10.1 minutes. NBA.com

Cleveland Cavaliers, Memphis Grizzlies, Draft, Trade, Wayne Ellington, Marreese Speights, Jon Leuer, Josh Selby 

The Cleveland Cavaliers have acquired forward/center Marreese Speights, guard Wayne Ellington, guard Josh Selby and a future first round draft pick from the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for forward Jon Leuer, Cavaliers General Manager Chris Grant announced today from Cleveland Clinic Courts. The Cavaliers also waived guard Jeremy Pargo. “Marreese will strengthen our front court, while Wayne and Josh will add depth to our back court. At the same time, we are adding a valuable asset with another future first round pick, while also maintaining our future flexibility,” said Cavaliers General Manager Chris Grant. “We wish Jon and Jeremy the best as they move on with their careers and thank them for their time with us here in Cleveland.” NBA.com

Cleveland Cavaliers, Memphis Grizzlies, Trade, Wayne Ellington, Marreese Speights, Jon Leuer, Josh Selby, Jeremy Pargo 

In a much- desired need to get under the NBA's luxury tax, the Memphis Grizzlies traded forward-center Marreese Speights, guards Josh Selby and Wayne Ellington and a future draft pick to the Cleveland Cavaliers for guard Jon Leuer, a person familiar with the deal told USA TODAY Sports on Tuesday. USA Today Sports

Cleveland Cavaliers, Memphis Grizzlies, Draft, Trade, Wayne Ellington, Marreese Speights, Jon Leuer, Josh Selby 

However, it is important to the Grizzlies because it saves them roughly $6.2 million in salary, getting them below the $70.3 million luxury tax threshold and helping them avoid tax payments after the season. The Grizzlies, recently purchased by Robert Pera, who has restructured the front office, had been shopping forward Rudy Gay in an effort to trim salary. This might be a sign that Memphis is willing to keep Gay and see how the season plays out. USA Today Sports

Cleveland Cavaliers, Memphis Grizzlies, Draft, Trade, Rudy Gay, Wayne Ellington, Marreese Speights, Jon Leuer, Josh Selby, Robert Pera 

All signs also point to Ellington not receiving a contract extension before the Oct. 31 deadline. Ellington still has to prove he can be a consistent perimeter shooter in this league. The Griz recent ownership change also is a factor given the team is $4 million over the luxury-tax threshold and new boss Robert Pera likely won't make any personnel decision until after the season. Memphis Commercial Appeal

Memphis Grizzlies, Wayne Ellington 

Ronald Tillery: Griz guard Wayne Ellington left practice Monday with right knee contusion. He is day to day. Twitter @CAGrizBlog

Memphis Grizzlies, Injuries, Wayne Ellington 

Tony Allen: S/o 2 Wayne Ellington new grizzly member!! Welcome Twitter

Memphis Grizzlies, Tony Allen, Wayne Ellington 

Ronald Tillery: Ellington hasn't decided on jersey number but ruled out No. 32 when told it's available. "Don't want to do that," he said. #respect4mayo Twitter

Memphis Grizzlies, Wayne Ellington 

Wayne Ellington: Gettin crazy love from #grizznation! Preciate it all..I'm excited!! Twitter

Memphis Grizzlies, Wayne Ellington 

The Minnesota Timberwolves today announced the team has acquired forward Dante Cunningham from the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for guard Wayne Ellington. NBA.com

Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, Trade, Wayne Ellington, Dante Cunningham 

"Dante Cunningham is a versatile forward who brings a defensive presence and an efficient offensive game to our team," Timberwolves President of Basketball Operations said. "We thank Wayne for his three seasons with the Wolves and wish him the best in Memphis." NBA.com

Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, Trade, David Kahn, Wayne Ellington, Dante Cunningham 

Ronald Tillery: Cunningham-for-Ellington trade is official, per source Twitter

Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, Trade, Wayne Ellington, Dante Cunningham 

Ronald Tillery: Griz acquire Ellington and now will look to re-sign Haddadi for close to the minimum. Twitter

Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, Free Agency, Trade, Hamed Haddadi, Wayne Ellington, Dante Cunningham 

Ronald Tillery: If you're watching MEM-MINN summer league game from Las Vegas and wondering about Cunningham-4-Ellington trade. It's not dead, per source. Twitter

Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, Trade, Wayne Ellington, Dante Cunningham