2018 NBA free agency tracker: Grades for every deal so far
Wayne Ellington: 1 year, $6.2 million (Miami Heat)
Sources: Wayne Ellington agreed to a one-year deal for $6.2 million. https://t.co/9uKbm0LeY0
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) July 13, 2018
On paper, re-signing Wayne Ellington to a one-year, $6.2 million contract is great value. The Miami Heat cherished his 39.2 percent shooting on a whopping 7.2 attempts per game from 3-point territory last season, as they did his career-high 11.2 points per game.
However, this move also pushes the Heat into the luxury tax for a team that — yet again — tops out as a first round exit. Losing a floor-spacer and microwave bench scorer for nothing would’ve been rough, and the Heat’s commitment to staying competitive despite some unruly contracts is commendable, but is this roster really worth the luxury tax?
More moves need to occur in order to justify this final straw that broke the luxury tax camel’s back. The good news is the team has until the end of the regular season to get under that threshold, and the current tax bill is only $4.9 million. Assuming Pat Riley can get this taken care of, Ellington’s marksmanship and scoring punch are worth the risk.
Bourguet Grade: B+
Hoops Habit Grade: B+