Monta Ellis Opts Out, Will Test Free Agency

Monta Ellis has decided to opt out of the final year of his contract with the Milwaukee Bucks, league sources told ESPN's Chris Broussard. Ellis was scheduled to make $11 million next season and will now be one of the top players on the free agent market.

Sources have told Broussard that the Atlanta Hawks, Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers are all interested in signing Ellis. However, the Lakers can only acquire Ellis through a sign-and-trade deal, which seems unlikely.

Ellis is coming off of a $66 million deal he originally signed with the Golden State Warriors. He is a good friend of free agent Dwight Howard, who Ellis has desired to play alongside.

Howard also has interest in playing alongside Chris Paul, who is also available this offseason. It has been said that Howard will likely team up with either player.

Ellis had the intention of signing his previous contract with the ability to test the free agency market while still in his prime. Milwaukee reportedly offered the guard a two-year, $24 million extension, but the offer would force him to decide against his decision to opt out.

Ellis was the Bucks leading scorer last season with 19.2 points per game during the regular season. He has spent eight seasons in the NBA since being selected with the 40^th pick by Golden State in 2005.

Ellis was a former McDonald's All-American who made the jump from high school to the NBA after deciding not to attend Mississippi State. Ellis was a member of the last high school class to make the jump to the NBA before the draft eligibility rule was changed in 2006.