Orlando Magic: 4 potential free agency targets in 2018
By Chris Murch
3. Wayne Ellington
2017-18 Stats: 11.2 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 1.0 APG
Chant it with me: THE MAGIC NEED SHOOTING. THE MAGIC NEED SHOOTING. You know who shoots the ball well and efficiently? Wayne Ellington, that’s who. A career 38.1 percent 3-point shooter, Ellington was a really a solid player for the Miami Heat the past few seasons.
In 2017-18, Ellington averaged a career high 11.2 points per game and shot 39.2 percent from deep. He finished tied for sixth in the NBA with 227 made 3s this season, and he also set career highs in true shooting percentage (58.8), Value Over Replacement Player (1.0) and win shares (4.5). Oh yeah, he did this all averaging 26.6 minutes per game.
Ellington would be a perfect fit for a Magic team that desperately needs consistent deep shooting and along with Evan Fournier can be an asset for perimeter defending. Ellington has been a workhorse in his nine years in the league and is just now hitting his stride. I foresee him continuing to improve and becoming an incredible asset for whatever team does pick him up.
Last year, Ellington made $6.1 million and is currently an unrestricted free agent. I don’t anticipate Ellington demanding too high of a yearly deal moving forward in his free agency process, so the Magic, and their full MLE could be a great fit for both parties.